Haast Township

Haast Township is the gateway to the wild and untamed West Coast, a tiny settlement where the Tasman Sea meets the rainforest. It's the last stop before the Haast Pass, a dramatic alpine route that connects the West Coast to Wanaka and Queenstown. This is a place of raw nature: roaring rivers, ancient forests, and beaches strewn with driftwood and seal colonies. The township itself is small but perfectly positioned for adventurers seeking solitude and spectacular scenery.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast River – Take a jet boat ride or simply admire the milky blue waters from the bridge; the river is a lifeline for the region's wildlife.
• Jackson Bay – A short drive south leads to this remote fishing village, where you can watch the sunset over the Southern Ocean and spot Hector's dolphins.
• Monro Beach Walk – A gentle rainforest trail ending at a secluded beach where Fiordland crested penguins nest from July to December.
• Ship Creek – Two short walks (the Dune Lake Walk and the Swamp Forest Walk) showcase the unique coastal wetlands and kahikatea swamp forest.
• Haast Visitor Centre – Learn about the area's Māori history, European settlement, and the incredible biodiversity of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Te Wahipounamu.
• Haast Pass – Even if you're not crossing the pass, the drive to the summit offers waterfalls, beech forest, and the chance to see kea.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Haast on a road trip, and one full day is enough to soak in the highlights. Arrive early to walk Monro Beach before the sea breeze picks up, then explore Ship Creek and Jackson Bay in the afternoon. If you're a keen hiker or photographer, consider two nights – the light here is magic at dawn and dusk. The township itself is small, so base yourself at one of the motels or the DOC campsite and use Haast as a launchpad for the surrounding wilderness.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier – 120 km north, you can walk to the terminal face of one of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers.
• Wanaka – Over the Haast Pass, this lakeside town is a 2-hour drive and offers world-class hiking, biking, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Haast Pass – The drive itself is an attraction, with stops at Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and the Blue Pools.
• Lake Moeraki – A tranquil lake surrounded by rainforest, with the opportunity to see glowworms on a night walk.
• Knight's Point Lookout – A scenic viewpoint just north of Haast, perfect for spotting whales and seals.

Please check official sources for current details.