Cape Farewell Eco Tour

Most people choose the Eco Tour which, as well as exploring the spit, stops in Puponga and at the most northern point on the South island, Cape Farewell. From the cliff top, seals and their pups can be seen all year basking on the rocks below.

The first stop is in Puponga and at the most northern point on the South Island, Cape Farewell. From the cliff top, seals and their pups can be seen basking on the rocks below all year round. Next is Fossil Point at the beginning of the Spit, a popular hauling out place for NZ fur seals. Old fossils expose themselves among the rocks and sea life abounds in rock pools nearby. A further 30 kilometres along the ocean beach is the Lighthouse Reserve, where you can pause for 45 minutes or so to climb the lighthouse, learn some of the Maori legends about the Spit, have refreshments in the lighthouse keeper's cottage and soak up some history. Returning from the lighthouse, participants can climb the sand dune at Mullet Channel for panoramic views of the ocean beach, the parade of dunes along the centre of the spit and the inter-tidal plain where migrant waders from the Arctic Circle feed during spring, summer and autumn.

Cape Farewell is the northernmost point of the South Island and the clifftop views nearby are spectacular. The coastal cliffs are sliced through with fault-lines: vertically walled slashes where streams run inland rather than to sea. Your guide is passionate about the history and ecology of Farewell Spit; they are knowledgeable about the wildlife and committed to ensuring you get the most from your trip.