Haast Pass

Haast Pass is one of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain passes, carving through the Southern Alps on the road between Wanaka and the West Coast. As you drive the narrow, winding highway, you'll be surrounded by dense rainforest, sheer rock faces, and cascading waterfalls that tumble down from ancient glaciers. This is a journey through a raw, untamed landscape where the only sounds are the roar of rivers and the call of native birds. The pass is more than just a route—it's an immersion into the wild heart of Te Wāhipounamu (South West New Zealand World Heritage Area).

Highlights & What to See

• Fantail Falls – A short, easy walk leads to a beautiful fan-shaped waterfall that plunges into a clear pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
• Thunder Creek Falls – A spectacular 28-metre waterfall just a few steps from the car park, with a viewing platform that gets you close enough to feel the mist.
• The Gates of Haast – A series of turquoise pools and rapids where the Haast River narrows between granite boulders; a short walk offers stunning photo opportunities.
• Blue Pools Walk – A gentle 30-minute walk through beech forest to swing bridges over the Makarora River, where the water is so clear it glows an incredible electric blue.
• Haast Pass Summit – The actual pass at 562 metres is marked by a simple sign; stop here to soak in the sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Suggested Time to Spend

Driving the full length of the pass (from Wanaka to the West Coast) takes about 1.5 hours without stops, but you'll want to allocate at least half a day to explore the short walks and viewpoints. If you're keen on a longer tramp, consider the 2–3 day Haast Pass – Makarora Track, which follows an old Māori route. For a self-drive itinerary, combine the pass with a night in Wanaka and a night on the West Coast (Franz Josef or Haast township) to break up the journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – A vibrant lakeside town with excellent cafés, the famous #ThatWanakaTree, and access to Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Franz Josef Glacier – About 2 hours north of the pass, this is the place for heli-hikes and glacier valley walks.
• Lake Matheson – Just south of Fox Glacier, this mirror-still lake offers iconic reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
• Haast Township – A small settlement at the western end of the pass, with the Haast River Safari jet boat rides and the Haast Visitor Centre.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – A tramper's paradise with routes like the Rob Roy Glacier Track and the Rees-Dart Track.

Please check official sources for current details.