Dotterel

Dotterel

Farewell Spit is a Wetland of International Importance, Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary at the top of the South Island that protrudes 35 kilometres into Cook Strait like a long crooked finger. The Spit is more highly protected than a national park.

Farewell Spit Tours pioneered sightseeing excursions along this sandbar nearly 60 years ago delivering supplies and mail to the lighthouse keepers at the tip. They have the only permit from the Department of Conservation to visit the gannet colony on the end of the Spit and the wader feeding ground on the inter-tidal plain. Departure times of all the tours vary according to tide times so pre-booking is essential. The Gannet Colony is unique because it is set at sea level on the windswept shelly banks on the tip of the Spit. Arctic waders stay from September till March and many others are there year round. Our local guides love to share this special place with visitors, some of whom return year after year like the waders.