Haast River Walk

Winding through dense rainforest alongside the milky-blue Haast River, this short walk offers an immersive taste of the West Coast's wild beauty. The gentle, well-maintained trail is perfect for stretching your legs after the long drive over the Haast Pass, with the roar of the river and the scent of damp moss filling the air.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast River Bridge: Walk to the historic swing bridge for epic views of the river's braided channels and the surrounding mountains.
• Rainforest Giants: Towering kahikatea and rimu trees, with ferns and mosses carpeting the forest floor — a classic West Coast rainforest experience.
• Birdlife: Keep an eye out for fantails, tomtits, and the occasional kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) flitting through the canopy.
• Interpretive Panels: Learn about the area's Māori history and the early European explorers who forged the Haast Pass route.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the loop walk, including time to pause on the bridge and soak in the scenery. It's an ideal leg-stretcher on a journey between Wanaka and the West Coast, or a quick nature fix if you're based in Haast township (10 minutes' drive away).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Pass Highway (SH6): The drive itself is an attraction, with waterfalls, blue pools, and viewpoints like the Gates of Haast.
• Thunder Creek Falls: A 5-minute walk to a stunning 28-metre waterfall, just a short drive north on SH6.
• Fantail Falls: Another easy-access waterfall with a refreshing plunge pool, perfect for a quick dip on a warm day.
• Ship Creek: A coastal walk through dune forest and along a wild beach, 20 minutes north of Haast township.
• Jackson Bay: The end of the road, with a remote fishing village, a café serving fresh whitebait, and views of the Southern Alps meeting the Tasman Sea.

Please check official sources for current details.