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

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.

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.

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.