Wellington Small-Group Sea Coast Safari
Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s "leaning lighthouse" to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.
Highlights
- ✓Choose from a morning or afternoon tour to better suit your schedule
- ✓Get uninterrupted panorama shots of the Cook Strait and the South Island
- ✓Spot cows, sheep, and goas as you’re driven through private farmland
- ✓Learn about the history of the seal colony, and the best way to say hi
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
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
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
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
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, please select Cruise Ship Independent Tour Car Park. 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.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Wellington Small-Group Sea Coast Safari
Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s "leaning lighthouse" to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.
Highlights
- ✓Choose from a morning or afternoon tour to better suit your schedule
- ✓Get uninterrupted panorama shots of the Cook Strait and the South Island
- ✓Spot cows, sheep, and goas as you’re driven through private farmland
- ✓Learn about the history of the seal colony, and the best way to say hi
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
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
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
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
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, please select Cruise Ship Independent Tour Car Park. 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.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.