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Farewell Spit

Tickets & tours

Farewell Spit Tours

Choose between the classic lighthouse route or the extended gannet colony trip. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Farewell Spit: Farewell Spit eco tour to the lighthouse from CollingwoodMost booked

Guided tourAbout half a day

Farewell Spit eco tour to the lighthouse from Collingwood

Most of Farewell Spit is a protected nature reserve that you can only enter on a licensed tour. The classic trip drives along the outer beach to the lighthouse. Compare...

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    Best for: seeing the spit, which is closed to private vehicles

    Farewell Spit: Farewell Spit gannet colony and wildlife tourSmall group

    Guided tourMost of a day

    Farewell Spit gannet colony and wildlife tour

    Longer trips go further along the spit towards the gannet colony at its tip, with stops for shorebirds and...

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      Best for: birders and wildlife fans

      Farewell Spit: Golden Bay day tours (Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell, Te Waikoropupu Springs)

      Day tripFull day

      Golden Bay day tours (Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell, Te Waikoropupu Springs)

      Day tours around Golden Bay can combine the Farewell Spit area with Wharariki Beach, Cape Farewell and the clear-water...

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        Best for: combining the spit with Golden Bay highlights

        Farewell Spit: Abel Tasman National Park cruises and walks nearbyBest value

        Boat tourHalf to full day

        Abel Tasman National Park cruises and walks nearby

        If you are staying in Golden Bay or Nelson, Abel Tasman boat trips and walks are the most popular nearby day...

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          Best for: adding a coastal day nearby

          Tour prices change; recent rates were around NZ$220 per adult.

          All options at a glance

          Compare the main tour routes along the sandspit.

          OptionDurationGetYourGuide fromRatingBest for
          lighthouse eco tourAbout half a dayComparen/aseeing the spit, which is closed to private vehicles
          gannet colony tourMost of a dayComparen/abirders and wildlife fans
          Golden Bay day tourFull dayComparen/acombining the spit with Golden Bay highlights
          Abel Tasman tripsHalf to full dayComparen/aadding a coastal day nearby

          How to choose

          • If you want to see the 1897 lighthouse: take the Farewell Spit eco tour to the lighthouse from Collingwood.
          • If you are visiting between September and April: take the Farewell Spit gannet colony and wildlife tour.
          • If you want to see Wharariki Beach too: take Golden Bay day tours.
          • If you are staying closer to Nelson: take Abel Tasman National Park cruises and walks nearby.

          Ticket questions

          How much does a Farewell Spit tour cost?

          Full guided 4WD tours cost around NZ$220 per adult in recent listings, with child fares lower. Prices are subject to change. Check specific departure rates online.

          Can you walk along Farewell Spit without a tour?

          Yes, but only for the first 4 kilometers. You can park at Triangle Flat and walk along Inner Beach. Going past the 4-kilometer mark requires a licensed guide.

          Where do the Farewell Spit tours depart from?

          Tours operated by Farewell Spit Eco Tours depart from Collingwood. This is a small town in Golden Bay, about a 2-hour drive from Nelson.

          lighthouse eco tour on GetYourGuide
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