Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Overview
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3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
A unique and exciting exploration to Wellington’s secret coast. With exclusive access through private farmland, we'll take you on a journey to discover Wellington's natural wonders in an area unknown even to many locals. Only 20km from the city, this area will feel like another world.
Travelling in new 4WD Mercedes vehicles, you'll see a working farm with sheep, cows and goats, while enjoying stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges. Once down to sea-level, we’ll meet some much-loved locals – New Zealand Fur Seals. Enjoy morning/afternoon tea while observing these amazing animals as they sunbathe, play, and swim while learning about their history, ecology, and conservation from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. The Seal Coast Safari is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure. Join us and discover one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets!
Route is along rough terrain requiring 4WD. Not suitable for people with neck or back injuries.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden
We begin our journey at Otari-Wilton’s Bush - one hundred hectares of ancient and regenerating forest and New Zealand’s only botanical garden dedicated solely to native plants. Designated a six-star Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand’s Gardens Trust of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Otari-Wilton’s Bush allows us to introduce you to what the landscape of New Zealand was like for early Maori and European settlers. Walking across the skybridge, you will be treated to views across the canopy while your friendly and knowledgeable guide introduces you to some of the unique flora and fauna endemic to this country and the challenges they have faced to survive. We regularly see beautiful native bird species like Tui, Kaka, Kakariki, Kereru and, occasionally, Karearea, all of which were extinct or endangered in the Wellington region only 25 years ago.
Next, we carry on through the suburbs and towards the south coast. Turning off the main road, we utilise our private access through Terawhiti Station, one of the oldest and largest stations in New Zealand. We’ll likely see sheep, cows and goats on the drive up the hill, before being treated to stunning views across the Cook Strait, Kaikoura Ranges and the South Island once we reach the top. We then follow the ridgeline road that was created for the imposing Project West Wind – a 62 turbine strong wind farm that generates enough electricity to power all the houses in the Wellington region. This city is known as Windy Welly for a reason! Your guide will explain how this collaboration was essential in keeping the farming operation going in what are challenging and harsh conditions and added another chapter to the long, storied history of Terawhiti.
What‘s Included
Proud partner of the Capital Kiwi conservation project
Exclusive access to private farmland with stunning views
See Wellington's hidden gems that even most locals don't know about
Pick up and drop off available direct from cruise ships - we've never missed a drop off
Travel in style and comfort with our new fleet of 4WD Mercedes
NZ Fur Seals in their stunning natural environment
Owned and operated by passionate nature lovers
Gratuities
Pickup points
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Options
Seal Coast Safari alternate
Pickup included
Seal Coast Safari
Pickup included
Reviews
291 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very nice trip, be ready for steep curvy roads
Roxy W,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Good trip, you better like riding on curvy roads if you are in New Zealand! The scenery was spectacular, Natalie was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had a beautiful day and got to see the sea lions resting on the rocky area. Got to see wind turbines everywhere on the picturesque farmland.
Good Excursion.
Ann G,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide and wonderful drive thru very scenic countryside. Was on a Viking cruise but booked thru Viator for the same excursion at less price. Pick up and drop off were at the same spot as the Viking booked guests.
Amazing. Must do while in Wellington
Julia A,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved every minute of it. Our driver was amazing and very knowledgeable he made the experience the whole even better. Thank you it was once in life time adventure
A Perfect Day on the Seal Coast
Relax20414171366,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful experience on the Seal Coast Safari! Our guide Sarah was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and very informative throughout the tour. We started with a short walk in Otari-Wilton’s Bush, which was a lovely way to begin the day, and then drove along a beautiful route across a huge farm and past wind turbines on our way to the coast. Once there, we saw several seals and lots of birdlife, which was a real highlight. We also enjoyed a nice little coffee-and-biscuits break right by the coastline. Just for info: the road down to the coast is a bit bumpy, so sitting toward the front can be more comfortable. It was also very windy, so a jacket is definitely recommended. Overall, an awesome tour and a great experience! 🌟
Great trip
malcolm r,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy to book with pick up from hotel. Small group. Informative guides made it an enjoyable experience. Great to get close to seals in their natural environment
A Really Good Experience
David L,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very nice small group tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He gave a running commentary of where we traveled that was quite interesting. Pick up and drop off was easy and convenient.
Heck of a Day
Steven R,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We love nature and Grant did a fantastic job taking us through the botany garden and about time. The highlight is the ocean and the fur seals. We could of spent all day there. Just beautiful and amazing to see the critters without a care it the world. By the way I found Willson, the ball that entertained Tom Hanks in Cast Away.
Can’t miss Wellington tour!!
Nomad13795637778,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marc was an excellent guide. Even though Nov-Jan is not the optimal time to see the seals, we still saw over 30 of them. This experience to a private destination is an amazing opportunity and is a can’t miss for Wellington. We were blessed with phenomenal weather. The seals allowed us to walk within 10 meters to take pictures. The scenic views were spectacular.
Seals, Birds and mountain Farm
Ann M,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Grant was very knowledgeable about Wellington history and gave us a great tour to a beautiful area outside of the city in the comfort of 4WD Mercedes vans. This is a great option to leave the city, see native plants, animals and the coastline. On a clear day you can see the South Island.
Highlight of Trip for Two Californians
LMoranAptos CA,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional! Our guide, Sara, was a delight—she knew Wellington PLUS, she actually lives on the ranch. A week into our trip to this gorgeous country, I was dying to see some mammals. While this excursion is called the “Seal Coast Safari,” its real value is access to a huge private sheep and cattle ranch (station). It is amazing to see sheep, cattle, and wild goats thriving on STEEP, gorse-covered grazing land overlooking 3 bays. The sheep are a British breed that molts, so expensive shearing is unnecessary. The lambs are beautiful, but the adults look pretty sad in the spring! The wild goats keep the invasive gorse at bay and scamper across the steep hills at the sound of a vehicle. These animals live as perfect a life as any creatures raised for food could want. We also saw paradise ducks, huge hares, and hawks. Because of an agreement between the ranch owners and a power company, the erection of 62 windmills and the resulting gravel roads needed to maintain them, the ranch has survived despite fluctuations in the value of wool and mutton. It is a perfect example of cooperation between a massive energy company taking advantage of a renewable resource without destroying the environment and allowing a humane farming operation to continue. Yes, there are a few seals (just a couple of oldsters and the young dudes because it was mating season) but touring the farm is just—amazing.
From NZ$195.00
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