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Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

348 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 348 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Wellington, New Zealand

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On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

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.

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
  • Gratuities
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Terawhiti Station

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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Cape 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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Seal Coast Safari – Exclusive access to Wellington’s secret coast?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-62469P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.92
348 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 348 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
323
4 stars
22
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Seal Coast Safari

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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