Farewell Spit Nature Experience
The full six hour tour
This comprehensive nature tour explores the key features of Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and the breathtaking panoramic views of Pillar Point.
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A Unique Wilderness and Wildlife Experience
New Zealand's longest sandspit - beautiful, surreal and vast. Farewell Spit provides a rewarding haven for many thousands of migratory wading birds and native wildlife such as New Zealand Fur Seals and Australasian Gannets.
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Breathtaking Panoramic Views
Pillar Point is 161 metres above sea level. Farewell Spit arcs away to the East; cliffs, ocean and rolling farmland to the West and Kahurangi National Park to the South. Even the snow-topped peak of Mt Taranaki in New Zealand’s North Island may be seen.
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A Coastal Landscape of Immense Power
Sculpted by wind, water and time the cliffs rise high above the pounding waves of the Tasman Sea. Stand at the edge and marvel at the unforgiving power of mother nature. Beauty from simple stone - tall arches, deep caves and miles of towering cliffs.
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Rich Human History
First settled in the 13th Century, this area has always been highly prized, first by Maori and later by Europeans for its diverse and valuable resources. Your guide will introduce you to this fascinating history.
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Off Road Adventure
Our four-wheel drive vehicles are ideally suited to hill-country tracks - but not without losing the thrill of negotiating some challenging terrain. Enjoy this exciting ride in the comfort and safety of our 4WD fleet with our experienced driver/guides.
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Start Your Journey Relaxed and Ready
Your tour begins at the Old School Cafe in Pakawau. Get a bite to eat or a fresh espresso and then, upon your return, sample their complete menu at your leisure.
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Fill Your Soul and Your Stomach
At the Farewell Spit Lighthouse we'll take time to enjoy a light refreshment of tea and coffee, chilled juice and a freshly baked filled bread roll. Yummy!
What We'll Experience Along the Way
This comprehensive nature experience combines and explores the key features of both Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and the breath taking panoramic views of Pillar Point.
Pillar Point
At the port of Puponga, our knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the fascinating coal mining history of this area.
Then an exciting off-road journey takes you up to the Maritime Beacon of Pillar Point.
Perched 161 metres above sea level, Pillar Point offers uninterrupted 360 degree views of the northwest.
Farewell Spit arcs away to the east, cliffs, ocean and rolling farmland to the west and Kahurangi National Park to the south.
On a short walk to gain the best vantage point for this magnificent panoramic view, you will learn about the sub-alpine flora that is unique to this site.
Farewell Spit
We leave Pillar Point to be immersed in the dramatic landscape of shifting sand and migrating wildlife that is Farewell Spit.
Travel to the Farewell Spit Lighthouse Reserve while we give you a unique insight into the many intrigues of this world-class wildlife sanctuary and wetland of international significance.
During a short walk, explore the fascinating geology of Fossil Point and learn of the origin and ongoing creation of Farewell Spit.
At our historic day hut at the foot of the Farewell Spit lighthouse, refreshments of plunger coffee, tea, juice and a yummy freshly baked filled bread roll are served.
Here you have time to enjoy images and artefacts of life on Farewell Spit.
We then take you beyond the lighthouse to marvel at Australasian gannets as they come and go from their colony.
Here you will experience the solitude of this remote and desolate place.
On the return journey, you have the opportunity to walk up one of the massive Barchan sand dunes.
From the top of the Barchan dune you will experience panoramic views of the dune systems, the tidal wet land and ocean beach.
We then return to the start of our journey “The Old School Café,” where you can freshen up, relax and enjoy their hospitality.
On your tour you will ride in one of our comfortable modern air-conditioned 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
REAL EXPERIENCES
December 2006
Dear Mr Spit 1,
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The lighthouse visit, the seal, the shifting sands, the ride, everything.
I especially enjoyed climbing the sand dunes and wind.
Thank you for a lovely day and for the most informative and interesting commentary on the way. You certainly are no. 1.
September 2005
On behalf of trainees from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Timor Leste, I would like to express gratitude to you for your friendly and warm welcome given to us on our trip to Farewell Spit last weekend.
We enjoyed the time along the spit in your comfortable bus and we took fantastic video tape and photographs. We think you are able to be proud of Farewell Spit because it is one magical wonder not only in your country but in the world.
