Seal Coast Safari Tour by 4WD | La Vacanza Travel

Seal Coast Safari Tour by 4WD

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Destination: New Zealand, Wellington, Wellington
from
148.35

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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Wellington
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

Join us for this unique and exciting exploration of Wellington’s natural wonders and rugged south coast. Although only 20km from downtown, this destination will feel like another world. Travelling in exclusive Mercedes 4WD vehicles, we visit an area of pristine native forest with the chance to see many iconic bird species like Tui, Kaka and Kereru before venturing through private farmland with sheep, cattle and goats, while being treated to 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. Observe 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. Book your Seal Coast Safari today and discover one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets!

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden, 160 Wilton Road, Wellington 6012 New Zealand

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.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Terawhiti Station, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

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.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Cape Terawhiti, Wellington 6972, New Zealand

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.

Duration: 1 hour

Inclusions
  • Morning or afternoon tea
  • Driver/guide
  • Snacks
  • Pick up and drop off in central Wellington or the cruise terminal
  • Entry/Admission - Terawhiti Station
  • Entry/Admission - Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden

Exclusions
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Infant seats available
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    Departure Point

    1: Seal Coast Safari, 145 Wakefield Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
    2: 151 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
    3: 9 Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
    4: 155 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
    5: 1 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand


    Return Details

    Returns to original departure point

    Voucher info

    You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

    Duration

    3 hours 30 minutes


    User's Reviews

    rajbanisetti

    28 Mar, 2024

    This is an amazing tour, the tour guide was excellent, he kept giving so much local information about the island especially plants and trees etc. Going the remote coast was very special experience and did seem very private tour. And we saw quite a few Seals in their natural habitat. The drive was spectacular and safe. Thank you wan amazing trip.

    Gary_P

    23 Mar, 2024

    Fantastic time with Grant as our tour guide. Wonderful trip over the mountains to the sea colony, and through in the Botanical Gardens to boot. Enjoyable tour.

    christian_g

    22 Mar, 2024

    We had a great time on this tour. Beautiful scenery, and the tour guide, Blue, was extremely knowledgeable about the Wellington region. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an enjoyable half-day tour.

    Ravi_S

    16 Mar, 2024

    Drive through scenic parts of country roads. We saw a lot of seals. Very informative commentary from our guide.

    Emily_H

    04 Mar, 2024

    What an amazing trip! Chewy was the best guide who was so thoughtful about how to tailor the tour to our family. We traveled with our three kids - ages 3, 8, and 10. Each stop was interesting and Chewy knew so much about the sites. We made it to the Seal beach which we loved and then had a lovely time just walking and collecting shells with the kids. Loved seeing our guide helping our 8 year old find the perfect shell to bring her teacher back home. We never felt rushed and really had a nice time. Two days later, Chewy, our guide, came through again, finding our yougest's stuffed bird she left on the bus and delivering it to our hotel! Thank you so much - highest possible recommendations!

    User's Picture Gallery

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    Great trip

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    Amazing Experience

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    A MUST DO - NO MATTER YOUR AGE OR SIZE!

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    Seals and wind turbines

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    Worth doing

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    Awesome start to the New Year

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    Amazing coastline and thrilling journey.

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    Seals and Beauty

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    Brilliant Wildlife Tour

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    Highlight of our trip to New Zealand - WOW Day!

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    Mother and Daughter trip

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    Wonderful Excursion

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    Well worth the money

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    Seal coast 4wd drive

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    Seal Cost 4WD Safari

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    Fun tour!

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    Sunny Seal Coast Safari

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    Great half day option to get out of Wellington

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    Waiwai Way.... amazing experience

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    Highly Recommend!!

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    Interesting

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    Amazing

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    All I can say is AMAZING!!!

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    Must Do

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