Seal Coast Safari: Wellington's Natural Wonders

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: 24 hours
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…
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…
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a unique and thrilling adventure to Wellington’s hidden coastline. With special access through private farmland, this journey unveils Wellington’s natural marvels in a region unfamiliar even to many locals. Just 20km from the city, this area offers a completely different world.
Travel in state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes vehicles to explore a…

Location
Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden
160 Wilton Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(341 Ratings)
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Happyhippyhelenr
Feb 21, 2026
Wonderful tour from start to finish - Natalie was a brilliant tour guide, and made the morning so interesting and informative. The opportunity to view the seals without disturbing payment was fantastic. And we had a wonderful drive there and back through the countryside.. I would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_b
Feb 20, 2026
Great tour for solo travellers - A delightful half day tour, our guide "Blue" was lovely and full of interesting facts and a passion for nature. A great tour for solo travellers, with an opportunity to experience landscapes, nature and scenic vistas from private land. The seals were fabulous, snoozing on the shore, not fussed by the humans gawking!
Review provided by Viator
Timothy_a
Feb 19, 2026
Great experience on wellington's wilder side - Informative and exciting. Beautiful views of drive out to south wellington. Blue was a great guide and driver. Otari Wilton bush walk was great as well.
Review provided by Viator
Scott_z
Feb 12, 2026
The seals were great to... - The seals were great to see but the drive to get there and the setting that the seals were in was what made the tour special.
Review provided by Viator
883naomig
Feb 8, 2026
Delightful experience! - Sandra was very knowledgeable and an excellent driver on some very difficult roads It was a beautiful tour enhanced by having her as our guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen
Feb 7, 2026
An adventure awaits - beauty west of Wellington- seals; country; coast. - Great tour for those looking for something that is 'off the beaten track'. Not having been to NZ before we were interested in seeing the countryside. This tour certainly gave us that and a bit more! We were driven to across windy narrow mountain roads, with great views. Be prepared for bumps along the way as this tour takes you into the countryside on upgraded gravel roads Highly enjoyable. A great adventure! Sandra, our guide, provided good commentary on the history of Wellington and NZ.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_m
Feb 6, 2026
Great tour with awesome views and information - Our Guide James was awesome. He took us to the Otari Native Botanic Garden's and Wilton's Bush Preserve. He was very knowledgeable with regards to the plants, trees and animals in the area. He kept giving us information about New Zealand on the drive out to the Seal Colony at the Taputeranga Marine Preserve. All in All it was a very good tour and would highly recommend it to anyone who asked about it.
Review provided by Viator
Lyndon_l
Feb 5, 2026
Absolutely amazing excursion. Soooo many seals & such a great guide. - Absolutely amazing excursion. Saw so many seals & spent a lot of time viewing them. James, our guide, was also spectacular. Tons of extra info about the area, seals, etc.
Review provided by Viator
Faraway28480301121
Feb 3, 2026
Great time! - Marc was our guide and he was great! He was an encyclopedia of information about New Zealand. And his delivery was so interesting and fun to hear. We enjoyed our entire day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dennisl_m
Feb 20, 2026
Seal and sea coast tour from Wellington - The ride from Wellington to the seals is very scenic, but be advised, if you get motion sickness, the windy roads may not be good for you. The very steep and windy dirt roads toward the end of the road made it exciting and fun. The seals on the beach are not as playful or animated as you may hope, but they are cool to see fairly close up. Note: you can NOT walk up to them and the tour guide makes you stay back at least 20 meters (approx 60 feet) from them. Again, the views are great, but the seal interaction is limited.
Review provided by Viator
From $115
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).