Haast Pass

Haast Pass is one of New Zealand's most dramatic alpine crossings, slicing through the Southern Alps on the South Island's West Coast. This winding highway (State Highway 6) connects the lush rainforests of the West Coast with the braided rivers and lake-dotted landscapes of Otago. As you drive, waterfalls cascade down sheer rock faces, beech forests crowd the roadside, and the air carries the scent of damp earth and moss. It's a journey that feels like a moving postcard, with every bend revealing a new vista of peaks, gorges, or glacial valleys.

Highlights & What to See

• Fantail Falls – A short walk leads to this delicate, fan-shaped waterfall that plummets into a clear pool; perfect for a quick leg-stretch and photo op.
• Thunder Creek Falls – A powerful 28-metre cascade easily viewed from a short track; the spray and roar live up to its name.
• Blue Pools – A gentle 30-minute walk through beech forest leads to impossibly turquoise pools fed by glacier melt; on a sunny day, the colour is mesmerising.
• Haast Pass Lookout – A short climb rewards with sweeping views of the pass and the glacially carved valley below.
• Bridal Veil Falls – A lesser-known but equally stunning waterfall just off the highway; less crowded than the others.
• Mountain beech forest walks – Several short trails (like the Cameron Creek Walk) immerse you in the primeval silence of the forest, with mossy trunks and bird calls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers drive the pass in 2–3 hours, but you should budget a full half-day (4–5 hours) to stop at the key waterfalls and do a short walk or two. If you're keen on hiking, consider overnighting nearby; the pass itself has no accommodation, but Wanaka or Haast township are good bases. For photographers, early morning or late afternoon light is best for the waterfalls and mountain vistas.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – A vibrant lakeside town 70 km east of the pass, with excellent cafés, the famous #ThatWanakaTree, and hiking trails like Roy's Peak.
• Haast Township – The gateway to the West Coast's wild beaches and the Jackson Bay fishing village; try whitebait fritters here.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – About 2–3 hours north, these glaciers offer guided walks and heli-hikes on the ice.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage area with world-class tramping tracks, including the Routeburn and Greenstone trails.
• Lake Moeraki – A serene lake with kayaking opportunities and the famous Moeraki Boulders on the coast.
• Makarora – A tiny settlement at the eastern end of the pass, great for jet-boat rides on the Wilkin River.

Please check official sources for current details.