Haast Must-Do's

Waiatoto River Safari

Get to know both the Alps and the water by jet boating down the Waiatoto River. Fun, informative and suitable for all ages, journey into remote backcountry, bumping over rapids and disembarking for bush walks.

Fishing in Jacksons Bay

A feast for the eyes as well as your stomach should you be able to catch cod, groper and terakihi off the wharf.

TOP TIP: At Jacksons Bay, walk the Wharekai-Te Kou Track. Follow the stream through native forest to the beach, where rock pools flutter with crustaceans and seals bathe nearby.

Dine at The Craypot

Perched on the coast in Jacksons Bay, this restaurant is a quirky converted railway carriage. Gorge on both the views and the region’s plumpest crayfish.

Heli/plane Flights

Marvel at pristine lakes and native forest so dense it’s by and large untouched by human footprint. Soar over the West Coast’s dramatic landscape, spying hidden rivers and glaciers.

Neils Beach

On the way to Jacksons Bay, this beach is promoted as a safe place to swim and is often frequented by dolphins.

Lake Paringa

An oasis in the wilderness, popular for boating, fishing and swimming. Stay at the easy-going DOC campsite. Word to the wise – pack insect repellent. Forty minutes north of Haast.

Hapuku Estuary Walk

A 15 to 20-minute walk, pass wetland estuary, tussock fields and salt marshes. This looped walk, 15km from Haast, has panels explaining the ecology of the estuary and is stunning at sunset.

Ship Creek Walks

Want to see the wild West Coast live up its name? Two 30-minute walks at Ship Creek include the Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk with its gargling marsh and wetland, and the Dune Lake Walk, with sand dunes windswept into a frenzy.

Roaring Billy Falls

Imagine a crystalline river and lush green forest resonating with birdsong. Couple that with a boisterous waterfall and you have Roaring Billy Falls, 20 minutes from Haast.

Tauparikākā Marine Reserve

A small yet thriving marine reserve that leaves a lasting impression. A 20-minute drive north of Haast, it’s one of the best places to see Hector’s dolphins without a boat.

Blue Pools Track

A flat, one-hour walk that crosses a swing bridge and leads through silver beech forest to a viewing platform. This overlooks pools of pure glacial water that are an astonishing blue.

Haast Whitebait Festival

Held in October each year, whitebait is the hero of this festival. There’s a Great Whitebait cook-off and other whitebait challenges such as count the whitebait and the great whitebait maze. Join the fun with live music, market day stalls and other family- friendly activities.

Haast Pass

Connecting the east of the South Island to the west, allow plenty of time to travel this spectacular road to the coast. Short walks begin at the road’s edge, leading through rainforest to fabulous waterfalls.

Roaring Billy Hut, Haast © West Coast Tourism

Want more? Visit Visit https://aatraveller.co.nz/travel-guides and get planning.

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