Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Once we begin the descent towards sea-level, appearing in the distance will be the Karori rock lighthouse, which is more commonly known as the ‘leaning lighthouse’. Built in 1915 following the sinking of the SS Penguin, the decommissioned 19m tall tower was one of New Zealand's first automated lighthouses and, yes, it does lean! You’ll see this for yourself once we reach the coast and traverse the rocky, sandy track towards Tongue Point and the colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals. Upon arrival, we’ll exit the vehicle and wander the beach to observe these cute creatures in their natural habitat as they sunbathe, play and swim. Staying at a safe distance [for their safety and ours], your guide will talk about the history, ecology and conservation which has allowed their numbers to flourish once again. We’ll also treat you to some light refreshments as you take photos and watch the ferries crossing between New Zealand’s main two islands.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Be aware that pick up may be arranged up to 15mins before the scheduled departure time. This will be communicated to you 24-48 hours before your tour. Please be ready at the main entrance of your hotel unless otherwise informed - some hotel pick ups will involve meeting a few meters away so we can stop safely. For anyone arriving by cruise ship, we can pick-up and drop-off directly from the port. Please select Cruise Ship Port when booking. You may enter your own pick up location, but please note that we can't pick up from every hotel or AirBnBs around the suburbs. If your hotel is not listed, please contact us and we will advise the best place to meet. If you are staying outside Wellington City and plan to drive into town, we recommend parking at 230 Wakefield Street or at Te Papa Museum.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(353)
The trip was fantastic even though it was drizzly. Wyatt our guide was great and very knowledgeable.
Thoroughly enjoyed our morning with Andy, travelling out to the Seal Colony and spending time amongst them. The weather was drizzly and cloudy but to be honest, it added to the dramatic scenery and because you get driven right to the activity it wasn’t really a problem. We then stopped for an informative walk around the local native gardens and back to our accommodation. Great morning’s entertainment!
This is a great way to spend half a day in Wellington. The first stop is quite interesting and the drive to the coast is pretty amazing. The coastline here is so dramatic. It really was spectacular to visit. Also, the guide, Grant, was knowledgeable and friendly and made the day very pleasant.
This is one of the best tours I’ve ever taken! We covered so much beautiful terrain- from the lush forests, to viewpoints in the mountains, down to the amazing coast. Marc was absolutely incredible and clearly is passionate about his job. I took several tours while in Wellington, and this was by far my favorite. I was also impressed that they ran the tour for just me after another group canceled.
We had an absolutely amazing tour guide, Marc. Marc had great knowledge of the region and its history, the flora and fauna. Marc was very welcoming, knowledgeable and fun. We are taken on a tour of gardens, which were beautiful. We then went off road, through a private very exclusive property. We made our way down to the seals, where two oceans meet. Lots of beautiful seals and the coastline was stunning. Honestly, an amazing experience, made even better with a wonderful tour guide. This is an absolute must do.
Thank you Claire for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience with Marc. His passion for Wellington's history, wildlife, and natural landscapes, combined with his enthusiasm for sharing them with guests, helps create a truly memorable day. We're fortunate to have a team of passionate guides who love sharing their knowledge. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Marc. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another Wellington adventure in the future! Ngā mihi, The Wellington Tours Team
So grateful to our guide who was friendly, passionate and knowledgeable of the environment, seals and NZ. You are taken to exclusive and spectacular areas of south Wellington Coastline, not accessible to the public. Thank you, the tour was the highlight of my Wellington trip!
if you’re keen for an experience away from touristy crowds and to see seals in their natural habitat - highly recommend this tour. not rushed, plenty of time to enjoy and some of the most amazing scenery on private land.
Plenty of driving but the transportation is awesome. Guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Natalie was great.
It was a fun filled afternoon with Andy. The drive out to the beach was quite amazing, from the hill top to the beach we enjoyed beautiful scenery. The goats were good fun to watch as we traveled out to the beach. The seals were quite enjoyable as they rested on the beach. It was a beautiful day to be out in nature!!
Tour guide was very knowledgeable and showed us alot of sights and scenes that aren't common knowledge. If you have the time, allow for 4 hours incase you go over. It's well worth it! Thanks so much for the experience, scenery and of course the lovely rock sausages.
