1) you are on a 20 or 30 passenger 4WD vehicle for at least 4 hours of the 6.5 hour duration so be aware.

Things to consider before booking this tour -

2) 90% of the wildlife action is bird life so if you do not live and breathe birds this tour may not be of much interest to you.

3) the only area the tour covers that you cannot access yourself in your own car, or rental car, is access to the eastern 25km of the sand dunes and if you have seen one sand dune you have seen them all. Admittedly the tour does get you to the lighthouse where coffee and muffins are served but this is the only ‘benefit’.

4) because it is more akin to an outing for those not fit enough to kayak or walk the Abel Tasman be aware your travelling companions may all be of pensioner age.

5) the commentary on the history of the area is informative but it is evident it’s delivered by someone who loves birds more than most and who has an association with the tour company.

6) there are a number of superb cafes and restaurants on the drive from Nelson to Collingwood where $195 could also be enjoyed.

Reviewed 16 days ago

Had a great day yesterday on our trip with Paddy, lots of fun and very informative.

He knows his birds !

I can recommend this trip to anyone, thank you so much, cheers Graeme Staite.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

Bus trips are not our thing but this was the only way to get up to the end of Farewell Spit.

And once you get off road it is great. The driver was very friendly and informative (although quite hard to hear at times). This is a strange and wonderful place and well worth a visit, with lots of interesting information about the lighthouse and its keepers. Coffee and buns were much appreciated, and there were good opportunities along the way to stop for photos, climb a sand dune, watch a seal etc.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2017

Great tour all the way up to the Farewell Split lighthouse with numerous stops and time to walk around, very enthusiastic and informed guide/driver named Murray.

Full day (10 am- 5pm) tour at $145 was fantastic and highly interesting with all the information the guide provided. Wonderful and recommendable day.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2014

Fantastic trip along Farewell Spit.

Driver/guide was excellent and knowledgable. A long day due to late start for correct conditions, but experienced fantastic sunset.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2011

Excellent driver with cheerful personality.

Good timekeeping. Good explanations of what to expect and good commentary.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2011

This was a highlight of my trip.

I'm a coast person and this drive along that wild, empty (of humans, that is) windswept beach with the crashing waves, the wonderfully sculpted dunes, the great sweep of the sky and the constant comings and goings of birds and seals was exhilarating. Cape Farewell and Fossil Point were well worth seeing and the comfort stop at the lighthouse was welcome. Good muffins too. If you're planning to include this trip in your itinerary - and I recommend it - be aware of the tide as a factor. I nearly missed out and had to do some rapid readjustment of my schedule to get to Collingwood in time. And that's another thing. Don't miss Collingwood; it's a delightful tiny place.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2010

The rating is for the three hour bird trip in the eight wheeler.

Paddy has a great future in bird tours on the spit if our trip was any indication - having the birds in breeding plumage helped. We did the longer trip, which was pleasant with excellent commentary, but not in the same league as the previous afternoon.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2010

Even the the tour was 6 1/2 hours, there was never a dull moment.

Lots of stops to see all the sights on the spit. Hugely knowledgeable and informative guide.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2010