Roaring Billy Walk

Roaring Billy Walk is a short, easy stroll through dense West Coast rainforest to a powerful waterfall that lives up to its name. The track follows the clear Haast River before opening onto a wide gravel fan where the Roaring Billy stream thunders down from the mountains. The spray and roar are invigorating, and on sunny days you'll often spot rainbows dancing in the mist.

Highlights & What to See

• Roaring Billy Falls – a dramatic cascade that plunges over a rocky bluff, especially impressive after rain.
• Haast River views – the trail offers glimpses of the glacier-fed river, with its braided channels and turquoise hues.
• Rainforest walk – moss-draped beech and rimu trees, ferns, and the earthy scent of the forest floor.
• Birdlife – listen for the chime of bellbirds and the cheeky calls of weka, which sometimes wander onto the track.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the return walk, plus extra time to soak in the view and take photos. It's a perfect quick stop to stretch your legs while driving the Haast Pass Highway, and can easily be combined with other short walks in the area.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Thunder Creek Falls – another easy-access waterfall just a short drive south.
• Fantail Falls – a lovely cascade with a short walk, ideal for a picnic stop.
• Haast Pass Lookout – panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the highway winding through the pass.
• Haast Beach – a wild, windswept coastline where you can see seals and the Tasman Sea.
• Jackson Bay – a remote settlement with a café and stunning coastal scenery, about 30 minutes' drive from Haast.

Please check official sources for current details.