West Coast
LOCAL BUZZ
6 Experiences in Haast 1. WAIATOTO RIVER CRUISE You might expect a jet-boat tour on the Waiatoto River to be like others in New Zealand: a fast, stomach-flipping experience at hair-raising high speeds. This adventure errs on the side of slow and sedate. Passengers cruise up the river at a leisurely pace, with on-board commentary and a chance to step out and absorb the scenery. 2. WHITEBAIT – NET, CATCH & DEVOUR Haast is West Coast whitebait country so you’re never too far from catching or eating it. The Curly Tree Whitebait Company serves a morish whitebait patty from its no-nonsense truck. Just so you don’t step on the local’s toes, go to www.doc.govt.nz for more info. 3. WEST COAST SUNSETS The route from Haast to Jackson Bay is littered with irresistible beaches, as well as dunes, lakes
Ruth Allanson tour operator at Waiatoto River Safari, Haast, South Westland
and wetlands. As night falls, the most spellbinding sunsets are often admired from Haast Beach. 4. FISHING IN JACKSONS BAY Often rated as one of the West Coast’s ‘best kept secrets’, it’s a pure visual splendour. Fish from Jacksons Bay’s natural deep-water wharf for cod, groper and terakihi. 5. DINE AT THE CRAYPOT Not unsurprisingly The Craypot serves crayfish. Something of a local landmark and perched by the sea in a quirky converted railway carriage, guests feast on both the views and the region’s plumpest, tastiest seafood. 6. EASY ON THE EYE FLIGHTS Discover pristine lakes and native rainforest so dense it’s by and large untouched by human footprint by soaring over the West Coast’s dramatic landscape of hidden rivers, glaciers and cascading cliffs by plane or helicopter.
‘The Haast’ holds an iconic remoteness, the road only joining to the outside world 56 years ago. Gems to visit while you are here include:
Hector’s dolphins at Neils Beach. Swim with the smallest and rarest Picton © Marlborough Tourism dolphin in the world, right in the breakers at this safe haven beach, on your way to Jackson Bay.
Three great walks are Lake Ellery, a 40-minute return, inland lake surrounded by forest clad hills; Wharekai Te Kou, a 20-minute boardwalk to the rugged West Coast beach accessed at the end of Jackson Bay Rd; Hapuku Estuary amongst tall native kahikatea and rimu, protected estuary, 30-minute loop track with incredible native birdlife.
Ride the top rated, family run, Waiatoto River Safari, to explore the UNESCO World Heritage area by jet boat. Top rated by Lonely Planet as the best boat tour in New Zealand. Situated half way down the Jackson Bay Rd.
Gem hunting & beachcombing the rugged West Coast beach for your piece of one of the beautiful local gems such as the purple aroha stone. INSET RIGHT: Waiatoto River Safari © West Coast Tourism
ASURE ASPIRING COURT MOTEL HAAST
• 13 x ground-floor units facing the afternoon sun. • Studio, 1 & 2-bedroom units, kitchen units, queen-size beds. • Sky TV. Ample parking. Complimentary WiFi. Guest laundry. • Stroll to shops & restaurants. 5min drive to beach. • Tariff: $135-$185 (2 persons). Seasonal rates. Marks Rd, Haast Township • P: +64 3 750 0703 • Res: 0800 500 703 www.aspiringcourtmotel.com • E: info@aspiringcourtmotel.com
Knitwear • Honey • Gifts @ Haast
HERITAGE PARK LODGE
• Ground-floor motel units in quiet native bush setting with all day sun. • Studio, 1 & 2-brm family units. Centrally located – 100m walk to shop, café, bar & restaurant. • Free WiFi. Freeview. 5min drive to beach. • Tariff: $115-$185 (2 persons). Seasonal rates. 10 Marks Rd , Haast • P: +64 3 750 0868 • Res: 0800 52 62 52 www.heritageparklodge.co.nz • E: info@heritageparklodge.co.nz
• Located in the Haast township (just off SH 6) • Come & enjoy our iconic West Coast bar & restaurant • Cosy fire and surroundings • Buses welcome • Excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner menus • World-famous fish & chips • West Coast whitebait here! • Open 7 days: New opening hours: 7.30am till late (hours may vary over winter season)
South Westland, Haast • Ph: +64 3 750 0034 Email: hardantlerbar@gmail.com
New Zealand-made Merino Possum clothing, Possum Skin and Fur products, Manuka Honey, Wild Ferns Skincare products, live working bee hive display.
Santana
Tahutahi Road, Haast • Ph/Fax: +64 3 750 0791 E: shop@santana.co.nz • www.santana.co.nz Free overnight parking for self-contained campervans 37
