World Heritage Area

Straddling the spine of the Southern Alps, the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area is a raw, untamed wilderness of glaciers, ancient rainforests, and fiords. This UNESCO-listed expanse, covering nearly 10% of New Zealand, is one of the most pristine natural landscapes on Earth. As you drive the Haast Pass, you'll feel the scale of this place—misty valleys, turquoise rivers, and the distant roar of waterfalls. It's a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking solitude in nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast Pass & Gates of Haast: The dramatic river gorge and walkway offer an easy taste of the wilderness.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers: Two of the world's most accessible glaciers, where you can walk up to the terminal face (in winter) or take a scenic flight over the ice.
• Lake Matheson: Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, best visited at dawn.
• Ship Creek: A short coastal walk through dune lakes and kahikatea swamp forest, with a historic swing bridge.
• Copland Track & Welcome Flat Hot Pools: A challenging multi-day hike leading to natural hot pools with views of the Southern Alps.
• Jackson Bay: A remote fishing village at the end of the road, perfect for a seafood lunch at the Craypot.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors experience the World Heritage Area as a scenic drive along State Highway 6 between Wanaka and the West Coast. Allow at least two days to soak in the highlights: one day for the Haast Pass region (including short walks and Jackson Bay), and another for the glaciers and Lake Matheson. If you're a keen tramper, add three to five days for multi-day hikes like the Copland Track or the Routeburn Track. The weather is famously changeable, so flexibility is key.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka: A vibrant lakeside town with excellent dining and the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Fox Glacier Township: A small village with accommodation and guided glacier tours.
• Franz Josef Township: Slightly larger, with hot pools, a glacier centre, and heli-hiking options.
• Haast Township: The last stop for fuel and supplies before crossing the pass; also a base for fishing and whitebaiting.
• Mount Aspiring National Park: A UNESCO site within Te Wahipounamu, offering world-class alpine tramping.

Please check official sources for current details.