Haast River Walkway

Following the wild, glacier-fed Haast River through dense temperate rainforest, the Haast River Walkway is a short but immersive introduction to the raw beauty of the West Coast. The track winds through lush ferns, rimu and beech forest, with glimpses of the river's milky turquoise waters and the distant Southern Alps. It's a peaceful, easy walk that offers a genuine sense of the region's untamed wilderness without requiring a major time commitment.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast River views – The trail parallels the river, offering multiple vantage points of its braided channels and striking blue-green colour, especially vivid on sunny days.
• Temperate rainforest – Immerse yourself in a lush canopy of silver beech, rimu, and tree ferns, with abundant birdlife like fantails and bellbirds.
• Interpretive panels – Learn about the area's Māori history, early European settlers, and the unique ecology of the Haast region.
• Picnic spots – Several benches and clearings along the walkway make for a perfect spot to enjoy a snack with a river soundtrack.
• Nearby: Haast Beach – A short drive away, this wild black-sand beach is a great place to watch the Tasman Sea crash ashore.

Suggested Time to Spend

The walkway is a 3 km loop that takes about 40 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace. It's an ideal quick stop while driving State Highway 6 – perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the scenery without detouring far from the road. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Haast Visitor Centre or a longer walk like the Ōkārito Lagoon track if you have more time.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Township – Just a few minutes away, with cafes, a general store, and the Haast Visitor Centre (great for trip planning).
• Ōkārito Lagoon & Kiwi Tours – A 30-minute drive north, this tranquil lagoon offers kayaking and night kiwi-spotting tours.
• Ship Creek – About 15 minutes north, featuring a short boardwalk through dune forest to a stunning beach.
• Jackson Bay – A scenic 20-minute drive south, this tiny fishing settlement has a beautiful pebble beach and a food truck famous for its whitebait fritters.
• Haast Pass / Gates of Haast – Heading east on SH6, the drive through Haast Pass offers dramatic river gorges and short walks like the Blue Pools.

Please check official sources for current details.