Haast walks
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
NEARBY OPERATORS
$25 - $35
Haast Lodge
Park up, relax and put away the keys for the day. We are the only park in the Haast area within easy walking distance (200m) to playground, souvenir shops and restaurant.
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Adults $109 Children (15 yrs & under) $59
Haast River Safari
We offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the untouched natural beauty of Te Wāhipounamu - World Heritage Area, while traveling in one of our custom designed fully enclosed jet boats.
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1150
HeliServices.NZ Haast
HeliServices.NZ Haast started December 2015 offering scenic helicopter flights, hunting and fishing from our Haast Base adjacent to the Hard Antler Restaurant and Bar. We also offer scenic flights to Milford Sound.
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199
Waiatoto River Safari
Waiatoto River Safari will take you on an incredible eco jet boat adventure through the Haast UNESCO World Heritage Area. The only ocean to alps river tour in New Zealand, voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top-rated boat tours in New Zealand.
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