Haast Pass Highway

Haast Pass Highway is one of New Zealand's most dramatic alpine crossings, a 145-kilometer ribbon of sealed road that threads through the Southern Alps between the West Coast and Central Otago. As you drive, the landscape shifts from lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls on the western side to dry, golden tussock slopes in the east. This is not a road to rush; every bend reveals a new view, and short walks lead to hidden gems like blue pools and ancient forests. The highway is open year-round, but always check conditions in winter when ice and snow can close the pass.

Highlights & What to See

• Thunder Creek Falls – A short 10-minute walk leads to a 28-metre waterfall thundering into a deep pool; a perfect leg-stretch stop.
• Blue Pools – An easy 30-minute return walk across a swingbridge to impossibly clear, turquoise waters fed by the Makarora and Blue Rivers.
• Fantail Falls – A quick 5-minute stroll to a delicate fan-shaped waterfall cascading over schist rock.
• Haast Pass Summit – At 562 metres, the highest point offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and alpine vegetation.
• Gates of Haast – A dramatic gorge where the Haast River narrows and surges through rocky cliffs; there's a short viewing platform walk.
• Pleasant Flat – A riverside picnic spot with views up the Haast River valley; often a great place to spot kea parrots.
• Makarora – The eastern gateway to the pass, a tiny settlement with a café and basic supplies before you head over.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least half a day to drive the full length of the highway one-way, allowing 2–3 hours without stops. But the real magic is in the stops: budget 4–5 hours to walk to the waterfalls, explore the Blue Pools, and soak in the viewpoints. Many travellers combine it with a day trip from Wanaka or spend a night in Haast to break the journey. If you're cycling, allow a full day to tackle the 145 km with climbs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – The nearest town east of the pass, with a beautiful lakefront, hiking trails, and vibrant cafés; a perfect base before or after the crossing.
• Haast – The West Coast settlement at the western end, offering accommodation, the Haast Visitor Centre, and access to Jackson Bay and the Haast River.
• Fox Glacier – About 120 km north of Haast, a world-famous glacier you can hike on or view from nearby trails.
• Franz Josef Glacier – 20 minutes north of Fox, with glacier walks, hot pools, and the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – The highway skirts the northern edge of this UNESCO World Heritage area; consider a detour to the Rob Roy Glacier Track or the Matukituki Valley.
• Jackson Bay – A scenic 20-minute drive from Haast village, this remote fishing settlement offers a café, a pebble beach, and views of the Southern Alps meeting the Tasman Sea.

Please check official sources for current details.