If you get to the top of the South Island, don’t miss the Farewell Spit Eco tour and Cape Farewell.

We joined the tour at the Collingwood office. The tour stops at Puponga and Cape Farewell, which is the northernmost point of the South Island. The cliff top views nearby are spectacular.

After the 30 km drive along the beach with several stops to see seals, birds, and a shipwreck, we arrived at the Farewell Spit Lighthouse. We had time to explore around the historic buildings and enjoyed tea and muffins in the century-old lighthouse keeper’s residence, where there was information about the lighthouse and relics from this historic NZ icon. The last lighthouse keeper left in 1984 when it became automatic.

Along the beach there were stunning views of the Tasman coastline and the opportunity to climb the sand dune at Mullet Channel for panoramic views panoramic views of the ocean beach, the dunes along the centre of the spit and the inter-tidal plain where the migrant waders from the arctic circle feed during our spring summer and autumn.

Our guide was obviously passionate about the history and ecology of the area and Farewell Spit. His knowledge about the wildlife and history of the area made for a very interesting and informative tour. There were plenty of stops along the way, so make sure you take your camera. The house below is the old lighthouse keeper’s residence.

The tour is approximately four and a half hours long and if you get the chance well worth the time and money, we had a great time!