Seal Coast Safari: Explore Wellington's Rugged South Coast in a 4WD Mercedes Vehicle
4.9
167 Ratings
Wellington
Embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure along Wellington's rugged south coast. Explore native forests, encounter iconic bird species, and marvel at stunning views of the Cook Strait. Get up close with New Zealand Fur Seals and learn about their history and conservation. Book now!
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
-
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.
What's Included
- Pick up and drop off in central Wellington or the cruise terminal
- Snacks
- Driver/guide
- Morning or afternoon tea
Additional Information
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!
Location
Seal Coast Safari
Wakefield Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(167 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Sandra_d
May 8, 2024
Excellent adventure - The birds in the nature park, the views on the drive and the beautiful seals - so many seals - and our cheerful informative guides (and the biscuits)
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_c
Apr 25, 2024
A must do - Loved the experience, our guide Grant was very approachable, knowledgeable and entertaining. A must tour if only in Wellington for a short period and want to get a glimpse of New Zealand's changing landscape and ecology, with the additional Fur Seal.
Review provided by Viator
E2936rxlisas
Mar 29, 2024
Thanks, Blue! - I have to thank Seal Cost Safari for being so easy to work with through the booking process. They were super responsive and kept in touch up to the day of our tour. That said, we had an awesome day with Blue at the Gardens and rainforest. The highlight of the day was getting to see the seals in their natural habitat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brent_e
Mar 28, 2024
This was our first viator... - This was our first viator excursion but it definitely won't be our last!
Blue was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable and friendly!
Review provided by Viator
Rajbanisetti
Mar 28, 2024
Great trip - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_p
Mar 23, 2024
Great ride to the coast and seal colony - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Christian_g
Mar 22, 2024
Amazing Experience - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Ravi_s
Mar 16, 2024
Nice tour - Drive through scenic parts of country roads. We saw a lot of seals. Very informative commentary from our guide.
Review provided by Viator
36angelikaj
Mar 28, 2024
Great tour in Wellington - 4.5 stars - Convenient pick-up and comfortable vehicle to travel. Grant, our guide was very knowledgeable and a great driver. Unfortunately we had low clouds on top of the windfarm and didn't have great views but it was so interesting to see these massive turbines and so many of them. The highlight definitely was the seal colony, which we saw many playful males lounging around or showing off in the water. If you want to see pups you need to leave it a bit longer but then you can't get as close as you can get with the males. Great trip, a lot of driving but learned a lot and the whole family thoroughly enjoyed the trip. If you're prone to car sickness, you need to take some pills for this trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judith_m
Mar 28, 2024
Read the full description! You’re not driving! - Had a great tour but the title was a bit misleading. We thought we’d be driving a 4WD ATV type vehicle but we were driven in a 16 passenger van around town and out to the seal colony. Guide was great and it was a nice day, just not as expected. Probably should have read more carefully.
Review provided by Viator