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
(271 Ratings)
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570keikom
Sep 17, 2025
Interesting tour - It was very exciting to take the wild roads. Seal Coast is really nice and beautiful place. I appreciate Natalie’s guide. Thank you so much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure61634971138
Sep 8, 2025
Beautiful Seal Tour with Marc - I had a very special private tour with Marc. He knows a lot about Wellington, the nature of New Zealand, the coast and the seals. It was a very beautiful morning with him. I was only about 10 meters away from the seals, which was amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey40063324540
Sep 6, 2025
Seal Coast Safari 100+% Do This - It was the most amazing experience ever, seeing the seals and the drive to get there was very exciting. Our tour guide "Grant" was truely knowledgeable with a no rush attitude. The whole experience of going to the gardens first then out in the large four wheel drive to see the seals was the most best experience we have had. Thank you Grant for making this happen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzanneba2915zi
Aug 11, 2025
Seals, seals, seals and birds! - What an incredible experience with Marc! After being picked up at our hotel, we headed to the Otari-Wilton’s Bush Native Botanical Garden, where we saw how conservation efforts can bring back native bird populations! From here we drove to Terawhiti Station, which is private farmland that only this company has access to. Driving on a dirt/gravel and later sandy road, we rolled through the green hills filled with sheep and cows. I even saw some wild goats leap through the field! When we arrived at the seal coast overlooking Karori Rock lighthouse, we had a stunning view of the sea and the seals! Hundreds of fur seals lined the beach. Just incredible! Marc was such a fun and knowledgeable tour guide who absolutely loves what he does! I would do 100 more tours with him!
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Spugglinator
Jul 28, 2025
Good way to get immersed in nature without going too far from Wellington - Marc was a very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful guide. Ironically, as someone who has lived in the area for over thirty years, I learnt a lot about the flora and fauna from a Frenchman! The van was a modern, comfortable Mercedes with big viewing windows so although some of the gravel tracks got a bit 'interesting' it was never unpleasant. The views over Wellington and towards the South Island were magnificent, the seals were smelly but cute, and the trip lasted just the right amount of time. You can't beat Wellington on a good day, and this was one out of the box; however, go when there's a stiff Southerly blowing uninterrupted from Antarctica and the seashore experience will be spectacular!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler39698672527
Jul 24, 2025
- I spent a fabulous morning on this wonderful safari, learning so much about this part of Wellington. The stop at Otari was extremely interesting to learn about the native bush and birds. Heading through Terawhiti Station was a privilege. To be on private land that was not only a working farm, and a wind farm but also home to the Capital Kiwi Project was awesome! The seals on the coast were the icing on the cake! The vehicle we travelled in was comfortable, our guide and driver Marc was outstanding! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brigette06
Jul 23, 2025
- Spectacular. Breathtaking. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. Unbelievable how close this is to a capitol city! Truly inspiring, special thanks to tour guide Marc :-)
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Katringj1427kv
Jul 8, 2025
Wonderful trip - The Trip was fantastic, the guide told us heaps about Wellington and the area, driving across the farmland offered stunning views and the coast with the seals was fantastic. We got to see the males hanging out relaxing in the sun and enjoyed to be so close to these beautiful creatures. Pick up was perfect and Hamish the guide very friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie
Jul 4, 2025
Best views ever - Was a very informative tour. We saw so much of nature that we would not have seen any other way. Tour guide was fabulous! Highly recommend this trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal08089179223
Jul 1, 2025
Most amazing morning with seals and Marc. - This is one of the very best with the most incredible guides, Marc, who is so passionate about his job. His knowledge was amazing about so many things. I also got many great photoes of seals, birds and lots of other things. Amazing day and well worth the cost.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $116
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).