Haast Pass

Haast Pass is a dramatic mountain pass on the South Island’s West Coast, where the road snakes through temperate rainforest, past thundering waterfalls and turquoise rivers. This is New Zealand’s wild side – a journey that feels like driving through a living postcard, with dense moss-draped beech forest and sudden views of snow-capped peaks. The pass is part of State Highway 6, the main route between the West Coast and Central Otago, and while the drive itself is the main event, there are several short walks that reward with close encounters with waterfalls and alpine scenery.

Highlights & What to See

• Thunder Creek Falls – A short, easy walk leads to a 28-metre waterfall that cascades into a deep pool, surrounded by lush rainforest.
• Fantail Falls – A delicate, fan-shaped waterfall with a viewing platform; the walk is just 5 minutes from the car park.
• Blue Pools – A 15-minute walk through beech forest to crystal-clear pools fed by meltwater from the glaciers; on sunny days the water glows an impossible blue.
• Haast Pass Lookout – A short but steep climb rewards with panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Haast River valley.
• Pleasant Flat – A riverside camping area and picnic spot with excellent views of the surrounding peaks; a great place to stretch your legs.
• Gates of Haast – A bridge over the Haast River where you can watch the turquoise water surge through a narrow gorge; parking is available just before the bridge.

Suggested Time to Spend

If you’re simply driving through, allow at least 2 to 3 hours to stop at the main viewpoints and short walks. For a more immersive experience, plan a half-day to take the longer tramps, such as the Young River or the Brewster Track. The pass is most atmospheric in the early morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the canopy. Many travellers combine it with a stop in Wanaka or Queenstown, making it a scenic half-day leg between the West Coast and the lakes district.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – A charming lakeside town with a vibrant food scene and year-round outdoor activities, just over the pass.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – The famous glaciers are a 90-minute drive north, offering heli-hikes and ice walks.
• Lake Moeraki – A serene lake with a wilderness lodge and kayaking opportunities, located between Haast and the glaciers.
• Haast Town – The small settlement at the western end of the pass, known for whitebait fishing and the Haast River Safari.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage area with world-class tramping and alpine scenery, accessible from the pass via the Raspberry Creek track.

Please check official sources for current details.