SPECTACULAR
COASTLINE

Detailed Tour Description

Morning & Afternoon

We will pick you up in one of our custom built 4WD Mercedes vans. 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 offers a journey into the past. We venture into original untouched rainforest. 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 native 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, 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 62 turbine wind farm that generates electricity for the region. our capital is known as Windy Welly for a reason!

Once we begin the descent towards sea-level, the ‘leaning lighthouse’ will appear, Built in 1915 following the sinking of the SS Penguin, the decommissioned 19m tall tower was one of New Zealand's #39's automated lighthouse. Upon arrival, we wander the beach to observe our friends, our native fur seals in their natural habitat as they sunbathe, play and swim. 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.

Climbing back through spectacular landscapes our passionate guides share more stories as we traverse farm land and fault lines while soaking in those amazing views all over again. Lear about the Capital Kiwi project, which has recently reintroduced wild Kiwi (our native bird) into the area. A full 100-years since they were las_t seen and heard in the hills. Upon arrival back in central Wellington, we’ll leave you to reflect on your experience to an area that even many locals don’t know about.