Stretching out into Cook Strait at the far north west point of the South Island is Farewell Spit, the longest sand spit in New Zealand. Farewell Spit Tours will introduce you to this dramatic and ever changing landscape of shifting sands and pounding surf populated by varied wildlife and with a fascinating human history.
Or call +44 (0)1298 74040 and speak to Harriet who is your expert on this type of experience.
Farewell Spit Tours began back in 1946 when the family of the current manager, Paddy Gillooly, started a transport service to take fuel, food and school lessons to the lighthouse keepers and their families out at Farewell Spit Lighthouse.
Soon after this, tourists who were keen to explore this unique and protected ecosystem asked to be taken along for the ride and now Farewell Spit Tours are one of very few operators who are licensed to operate their purpose built 4WD vehicles in this wildlife sanctuary.
Or call +44 (0)1298 74040 and speak to Harriet who is your expert on this type of experience.
The expert commentary from experienced local guides will introduce you to the numerous wading birds, seabirds, marine mammals and rare plants that live on and around the spit which is a protected nature reserve. Your guide will take you to sand dunes that will make you feel that you are in the depths of the Sahara and then to the lighthouse itself.
As you stand out of the wind in the calm oasis of trees planted by the first lighthouse keepers, you are sure to feel in awe of these early pioneers who, with no shelter or protection from the elements, came here to protect ships and sailors navigating this dangerous coastline.
And your trip will make a real difference to conservation – we arrange tours along Farewell Spit on a ‘not for profit’ basis with our commission being donated to protecting threatened native wildlife by controlling introduced pests such as stoats, rats and possums. For every couple who visit Farewell Spit, Paddy Gillooly of Farewell Spit Safaris will make, place and maintain one new predator trap.
Or call +44 (0)1298 74040 and speak to Harriet who is your expert on this type of experience.
We had such a fantastic time that it is hard to choose highlights! Every day was a new experience – from flying over the Bay of Islands, through hiking on Fox Glacier, watching the Penguins with Fergus and Mary, Glow-worm caves, the TranzAlpine train, choosing our wines on the Queenstown Trail, the 3 weeks went by incredibly quickly. We can’t speak highly enough of the organisation and the arrangements made for us, they all went without a hitch, and the little booklet for the itinerary is slowly being converted into our diary of the trip. Absolutely Brilliant! We would recommend New Zealand in Depth to anyone – we already did!! Chris and Hazel Dafforn
Or call +44 (0)1298 74040 and speak to Harriet who is your expert on this type of experience.
