Landsborough River

The Landsborough River, a wild and remote tributary of the Haast River, cuts through the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park on the South Island's West Coast. This is a place for true adventurers – a pristine valley of ancient beech forest, glacier-fed braided rivers, and towering peaks that feel a world away from civilisation. The river itself, fed by the massive Baird Glacier, offers some of New Zealand's most challenging and rewarding multi-day kayaking and jet-boat safaris, while the surrounding wilderness beckons hikers and anglers seeking solitude.

Highlights & What to See

• Jet-boat safari up the Haast River – the only way to access the lower Landsborough, these thrilling rides skim over shallow rapids with jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
• Multi-day kayaking on the Landsborough – a legendary Grade 3-4+ river trip through pristine wilderness, requiring experience and self-sufficiency.
• Heli-hiking and alpine adventures – helicopter access into the upper valley leads to glacier views, remote tramping routes, and the chance to spot kea and blue duck.
• Brown trout fishing – the river's clear runs hold good-sized brown trout; a fly-fishing paradise for those willing to hike in.
• Baird Glacier – visible from the river, this massive glacier is a stunning backdrop and a reminder of the area's wild glacial past.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors experience the Landsborough River as part of a full-day jet-boat tour from Haast (allow 6–8 hours return). For kayakers or trampers, plan a minimum of 3–5 days for a self-supported expedition – this is serious backcountry travel requiring permits and experience. Anglers might spend a day or two fishing specific reaches, accessed by jet-boat or helicopter.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast – the gateway town with accommodation, DOC information, and the start of jet-boat trips.
• Jackson Bay – a scenic coastal village with a historic wharf and excellent whitebait fritters at the Craypot Café.
• Haast Pass / Tioripatea Highway – a stunning drive through beech forest with short walks to Fantail Falls and the Blue Pools.
• Ship Creek – a short stop on the Coast Road with a boardwalk through kahikatea swamp forest and a wild beach.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – the park's other valleys, like the Matukituki and the Wilkin, offer similar wilderness experiences.

Please check official sources for current details.