Haast Pass

Haast Pass is one of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain crossings, slicing through the Southern Alps to connect the West Coast's rainforests with the lakes and mountains of Central Otago. As you wind along the Haast River, the landscape shifts from dense temperate rainforest to alpine tussock, with waterfalls cascading off granite cliffs and turquoise pools at every turn. For self-drive travellers, this is less a destination and more an unforgettable journey — a road trip highlight that demands slow driving and frequent stops to absorb the raw, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Fantail Falls – A short walk leads to a delicate, fan-shaped waterfall plunging into a clear pool; perfect for a quick photo stop.
• Thunder Creek Falls – A 28-metre cascade that thunders into a deep gorge, visible from the road with a brief stroll to a viewing platform.
• Blue Pools – A 20-minute forest walk to impossibly blue, glacier-fed pools where you can spot trout; the swing bridge offers a classic photo op.
• Haast Pass Summit – At 562 metres, the summit marks the boundary between the West Coast and Otago; look for the historic sign and alpaca-like views.
• Pleasant Flat – A riverside picnic spot with expansive shingle banks and mountain views, ideal for stretching your legs.
• Gates of Haast – A short walk through mossy forest to a roaring river canyon, where the Haast River squeezes between sheer rock walls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least half a day to drive the full length of the pass (about 100 km from Haast village to Makarora) with stops. Most travellers spend 3–4 hours including short walks and photo breaks. If you're keen on longer tramps like the Brewster Track, budget a full day. The road is narrow and winding — allow extra time in wet weather, and start early to avoid driving in the dark.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Village – The gateway to the pass, with a handful of cafés, a visitor centre, and access to the wild Jackson Bay.
• Wanaka – A scenic 1.5-hour drive from the pass, offering lakefront dining, hiking, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – About 2 hours north, these accessible glaciers offer heli-hikes and valley walks.
• Makarora – A tiny settlement just over the pass, with a riverside campground and access to the Young River.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – The pass borders this World Heritage Area, with world-class tramping routes like the Routeburn Track.

Please check official sources for current details.