Haast

Haast is a remote settlement on the wild West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, where the Tasman Sea crashes against ancient rainforest and glaciers carve their way down from the Southern Alps. This is a place of raw, untamed beauty—a gateway to the Unesco World Heritage–listed Te Wāhipounamu (South West New Zealand). The Haast region feels like the edge of the world, with dramatic river mouths, windswept beaches, and a palpable sense of isolation that draws adventurous souls seeking solitude and spectacular scenery.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast River – Jet-boat rides or a scenic drive along its braided channels offer thrilling views of the surrounding mountains and lush beech forest.
• Ship Creek – A short walk through dense rainforest to a wild beach, where you can spot rare Fiordland crested penguins and fur seals.
• Jackson Bay – The southernmost settlement on the West Coast, with a tiny fishing wharf and a café serving freshly caught whitebait fritters.
• Monro Beach – A remote coastal track leading to a beach where Fiordland crested penguins come ashore to nest (best at dusk).
• Haast Pass – The dramatic mountain pass linking the West Coast to Wanaka and Central Otago, with waterfalls and short rainforest walks along the way.
• Gillespies Beach – A wild, windswept beach with a historic gold-mining settlement and a walk to a seal colony.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Haast in a day as part of the journey between Wanaka and the Glaciers (Franz Josef/Fox). However, to truly experience its wild character, spend one full day exploring the area: take a jet-boat ride on the Haast River in the morning, walk Ship Creek and Monro Beach in the afternoon, and finish with a sunset visit to Jackson Bay. If you're a keen tramper, consider an overnight trip into the nearby Haast Range or the Moeraki River valley.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier – An hour north, with guided walks on the glacier and Lake Matheson's mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
• Franz Josef Glacier – A further 30 minutes north, offering heli-hikes and hot pools.
• Wanaka – A scenic 2-hour drive over Haast Pass, with lakefront dining, hiking, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Okarito – A tiny coastal village with a pristine lagoon and kiwi-spotting tours, 90 minutes north.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – The northern reaches of this park are accessible from Haast, with tramping routes like the Gillespies Pass Circuit.

Please check official sources for current details.