Farewell Spit Ecotour

Farewell Spit, at the very northernmost point on the South Island, has been a sanctuary since the 1930s and is now home to over 90 species of bird including famous waders such as bar-tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels and turnstones, which spend the summer here. The dramatic coastal cliffs offer superb views as you approach the spit and out on the sand there are not only wonderful birdwatching opportunities but fascinating stories to be told about the early Māoris, New Zealand's first radar station and the area where whales often become stranded.

A visit to the Farewell Spit Lighthouse allows time to explore the historic buildings and enjoy refreshments in the old lighthouse keeper's residence. Returning along the beach there is time to climb the dunes at Mullet Channel and to see the shells at Fossil Point before returning to Collingwood. The full-day tour takes about six and a half hours.