Haast is an adventure-fuelled town where you can experience the grandeur of the South Island. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s set on the Haast River and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, ancient rainforests and shimmering glaciers.
Things to do in Haast
Haast is a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, where the raw and rugged natural beauty of the South Island is on full display. Set in the Southern Alps, the park is named after one of the tallest peaks in New Zealand. Follow the fern-covered trail to Roaring Billy Falls, a 30-metre-high cascade that plunges into the Haast River. The trail to Thunder Creek Falls winds through silver beech and native kāmahi forests before reaching a mist-cloaked viewing platform.
Get up close with New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. The sanctuary is also home to rare “tuatara” reptiles endemic to New Zealand. Ōkārito Lagoon is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts and home to a variety of native bird species, including the elegant white heron.
Strap on ice spikes and embark on an adventure to the world-famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The colossal ice formations stretch down from the Southern Alps to meet the rainforest. Book a guided hike and explore the glaciers on foot or unlock a bird’s eye view of the frozen giants with a scenic helicopter flight.
West Coast whitebait is a specialty in Haast and caught fresh in the Tasman Sea. Along with West Coast whitebait, anglers reel in blue cod, groper, tuna and terakihi, a local fish with a sweet and delicate flavour. Seafood pairs perfectly with crisp Sauvignon Blancs from the world-famous Marlborough wine region.
Getting around Haast
Haast is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is on the West Coast of the South Island, a two-hour drive from Wanaka and three hours from Queenstown. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Christchurch International Airport is a 6.5-hour drive away.