Haast Pass Highway

The Haast Pass Highway is one of New Zealand's most dramatic alpine crossings, winding through the Southern Alps between the West Coast and Otago. As you drive, you'll pass through ancient rainforests, beside braided rivers, and under towering cliffs—each bend revealing a new vista that feels plucked from a prehistoric world. This is a journey, not just a route, and the highway itself is the attraction.

Highlights & What to See

• Fantail Falls – A short walk leads to this delicate cascade that plunges over a mossy rock face; perfect for a quick leg-stretch and photo.
• Thunder Creek Falls – A more powerful waterfall that drops 28 metres into a deep pool; the viewing platform offers a front-row seat to its thundering spray.
• Blue Pools – A gentle 30-minute return walk through beech forest to crystal-clear pools fed by the Makarora River. On a sunny day, the water glows an impossible turquoise.
• Gates of Haast – A short boardwalk leads to a dramatic gorge where the Haast River squeezes through a narrow chasm; watch the water churn and foam.
• Haast Pass Summit – At 562 metres, the summit is marked by a sign and offers sweeping views over the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• Brewster Track – For those with more time, this challenging day hike leads to Brewster Glacier, a tongue of ice hanging from the alpine slopes.

Suggested Time to Spend

Driving the full highway from the West Coast (Haast) to Otago (Wanaka) takes about 1.5 hours without stops, but you should budget at least half a day to pull over for walks and photo stops. If you're keen to do the Brewster Track or linger at the Blue Pools, plan for a full day. The highway is best enjoyed as part of a 2-3 day journey between the glaciers and the lakes of Otago.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jackson Bay – A remote fishing village at the end of the road, with a tiny wharf and a café serving fresh whitebait fritters.
• Wanaka – A vibrant lakeside town with excellent hiking, dining, and the famous #thatwanakatree.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – Two of the world's most accessible glaciers, with heli-hikes and valley walks.
• Lake Matheson – A mirror-still lake near Fox Glacier that reflects Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on calm days.
• Makarora – A tiny settlement at the Otago end of the pass, with a pub and basic accommodation; a good stop for fuel and a meal.

Please check official sources for current details.