Sand dunes & panoramic views
A highlight of the trip along the spit beach is the opportunity to stop and climb one of the low sand dunes that run down the spine of the spit. From the top of the dunes a 360 degree view unfolds. Discover more...
Lighthouse
The historic lighthouse is located about 27 kms along the beach, almost at the seaward end of Farewell Spit. Discover more...
Gannet colony
The Australasian Gannet colony, a short way past the lighthouse, is New Zealand's newest mainland gannet colony. Discover more...
Wader Watch Area
The Wader Watch Area is an ideal spot to view birds like bar-tailed godwits, knots, turnstones and other arctic waders. Discover more...
Fossil Point
Fossil Point is a beautiful meeting place of ocean and land. Look closely here and you'll see small fossilised shells and worms outlined in the rock at the base of the cliffs. Discover more...
Cape Farewell
Cape Farewell is the northern-most point of the South Island. Peep over the edge of the dramatically sculpted quartz sandstone cliffs and you may see lazy New Zealand Fur Seals soaking up the sun on a rocky ledge far below. Discover more...
Welcome to Farewell Spit Tours
Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance, being more strictly protected than a national park.
Farewell Spit is around 35km long and public access is restricted to the first 4km. Vehicle access is only allowed for supervised tours by concession holders. Through sharing the experience of visiting Farewell Spit we can help to raise public awareness of this extraordinary ecosystem, so vital for our migratory birds.
Come with us to this special place, where you can view the historic lighthouse and explore its intriguing reserve. The Farewell Spit Tour, our most popular, departs from Collingwood and visits Cape Farewell (the South Island’s most northern point) and Fossil Point, and also includes our Lighthouse tour.
Feel free to explore our Discovery page where you will find incredibly interesting places such as Cape Farewell, Fossil Point, the Wader Watch area, the sand dune environment, the Lighthouse and the Gannet Colony at the tip of the spit.