Haast

Haast is a tiny settlement on the wild West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, where the Haast River meets the Tasman Sea. It's the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand, and a crucial stop on the road between the glaciers and the rainforests of the south. This is raw, untamed nature at its finest: think roaring rivers, dense temperate rainforest, and a coastline battered by the Southern Ocean.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast Pass – Drive the dramatic road over the Southern Alps, with stops at fantail-filled Blue Pools, Thunder Creek Falls, and the Gates of Haast bridge.
• Jackson Bay – A scenic 30-minute drive south; a tiny fishing hamlet with a wharf, a food truck (famous for whitebait fritters), and views of the Southern Alps meeting the sea.
• Monro Beach Walk – A short, easy track through coastal forest to a secluded beach where Fiordland crested penguins come ashore to nest (July–February).
• Haast River Safari – Jet boat ride up the Haast River, skimming shallow braids with sheer rock walls and hanging valleys.
• Ship Creek – A 20-minute loop walk through dune forest and swamp, with a view of the Tasman Sea; look for the old gold-mining relics.
• Haast Visitor Centre – Excellent displays on local geology, Māori history, and the unique ecosystems of the region.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Haast in a day, either as a break on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast glaciers (Fox and Franz Josef) or as a base for one night. If you want to do a short walk, grab a bite at Jackson Bay, and soak in the scenery, allow a full day. For a deeper experience, including a jet boat ride and multiple walks, two days is ideal.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier – 120 km north; a must-see for glacier walks, heli-hikes, and Lake Matheson reflections.
• Franz Josef Glacier – 140 km north; similar glacier experiences with a larger town.
• Wanaka – 145 km east via Haast Pass; a stunning lakeside town with adventure activities and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Lake Moeraki – 40 km north; a tranquil lake with a lodge and kiwi spotting tours.
• Gillespies Beach – 100 km north; a wild black-sand beach with a historic gold mining settlement.

Please check official sources for current details.