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Haast walks

Haast

Haast walks

Haast — poised on the edge of the remote and vast wilderness known as Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area — is the gateway to a variety of walks and tracks in diverse and spectacular landscapes.

If you want to experience a truly untamed natural wilderness, then Haast is the place to start. The Haast National Park Visitor Centre is the best place for local knowledge and maps.

Munro Beach

Monro Beach Walk

Luxuriant rainforest, sheltered sandy bay and penguins

An easy walk through luxuriant coastal forest to Monro Beach — off SH6, near Lake Moeraki and north of Knights Point. In spring, tawaki / Fiordland crested penguins may appear in the surf and on the beach. Take care not to disturb these rare birds.

  • 4.7 km | 1 hr 30 min return
  • Easy, well formed trail

Ship Creek walks

Ancient wetland forest, windswept sand dunes, a dune lake

Choice of two short, easy walks — off SH6, north of Haast. Take the boardwalk through an ancient kahikatea swamp forest (800m, 20 min return), or follow the sandy trail through windswept coastal forest to a dune lake (1 km, 30-minute loop).

  • 800 m | 20 min return or 1 km | 30 min return
  • Easy, includes a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk
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KŌKAKO WALK & CYCLEWAY

Native bush, wild driftwood littered beach, dog-friendly

This well-formed, wheelchair-accessible track travels 5.5-kilometre track from Haast township via native bush eventually emerging on the wild wide sandy expanse of Haast Beach. Suitable for walking, running and biking.

  • 11 km (5.5 km one way) return) | 2 hr return walk | 1 hr return ride
  • Easy, wheelchair & buggy accessible, dogs allowed

JACKSON BAY WALKS

SMOOTHWATER BAY TRACK

Old pioneer trail, river crossings, pristine coastal beauty

Follow an historic pioneers’ track, then head down the Smoothwater River emerging on a secluded, untouched coastline.

  • 9.4 km | 3-4 hr return
  • Moderate / river crossings & sturdy footwear required
Jacksons Bay
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WHAREKAI TE KOU WALK

Lush native bush, a secluded rocky bay, wildlife refuge

Leaving from sheltered Jackson Bay, follow a well formed trail over a small hill through native forest to the rocky shore at Ocean Beach. Watch out for kekeno / NZ fur seals.

  • 1.6 km | 40 min return
  • Easy walking

Haast Highway walks

Haast Blue Pools

THUNDER CREEK FALLS

Short bush walk, thundering cascade, glacial blue waters

  • 400 m | 10 min return
  • Easy walking

This easy walk — beside the Haast Highway (SH6) — follows a sealed track to the spectacular Thunder Creek Falls crashing down a 28-metre rock face into the turquoise blue Haast River.

BLUE POOLS WALK

Bush walk, swing bridges, vivid blue pools

At the crest of Haast Pass, follow the gentle trail through beech forest to a swing bridge and a series of impressive river pools filled with turquoise blue waters. Jump in for a refreshing dip or build a river stone sculpture from the smooth rocks.

  • 1 hr return
  • Easy walk
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ABOUT WEST COAST WALKS

For more detailed and up-to-date information on routes, conditions and essentials needed for walks, please visit the Department of Conservation website. There is a dedicated page for each walk or tramp, and advice on what to wear and take with you.

Learn more
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