Haast Town

Haast is a tiny settlement at the southern gateway to the West Coast, where the Haast River meets the Tasman Sea. It’s the last outpost before the road climbs over the Haast Pass into Central Otago, and its wild, untamed setting – surrounded by rainforest, river flats and black-sand beaches – makes it a memorable stop for travellers on the drive between the glaciers and Wanaka. The town itself is modest, but its setting is spectacular, and it serves as a base for exploring the World Heritage-listed Te Wahipounamu area.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast River: Watch the powerful, milky-blue river surge towards the sea from the Haast River Bridge or take a scenic jetboat ride up the river into the wilderness.
• Jackson Bay: Drive 30 minutes south to this remote fishing village, where you can walk along the jetty, spot fur seals on the rocks, and enjoy fresh whitebait fritters (in season) at the Jackson Bay Wharf.
• Ship Creek: A short walk from the highway leads to a dune lake and a wild beach where you can see ancient kahikatea swamp forest – look out for the interpretive panels on Māori and early European history.
• Monro Beach Walk: A 4 km return walk through coastal forest to a remote beach where Fiordland crested penguins come ashore to nest (July–November).
• Haast Visitor Centre: A great place to learn about the area’s natural and cultural history, with exhibits on pounamu (greenstone) and the region’s geology.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Haast in a few hours, stopping for a walk, a meal and a photo at the river. To do justice to the area’s walks and Jackson Bay, plan for a half-day. If you’re keen on fishing or kayaking, an overnight stay gives you a full day to explore. The drive from Franz Josef to Haast takes about 1.5 hours, and from Haast to Wanaka another 1.5 hours, so it’s a natural lunch or activity stop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef / Fox Glacier: The two glacier towns are an hour north, offering helicopter flights, glacier walks and hot pools.
• Wanaka: A scenic 1.5-hour drive east over the Haast Pass, with the Blue Pools walk and the historic Cameron Flat gold diggings en route.
• Makawhio / Jacobs River: A short drive north for a peaceful beach walk and seal spotting.
• Haast Pass: The highway itself is an attraction, winding through beech forest with waterfalls (Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls) and short nature walks.

Please check official sources for current details.