Explore the Wilderness of Haast New Zealand
Tucked away on the remote West Coast of the South Island, Haast New Zealand is a gateway to one of the country’s last true wilderness areas. Recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the region is a haven for nature lovers, offering dramatic landscapes, wild beaches, and lush temperate rainforest. Whether you’re after quiet solitude or a base for outdoor adventures, Haast is full of raw beauty and natural wonder.
Visitors are drawn to the sheer diversity of scenery—from windswept coastal vistas and ancient forest walks to the powerful Haast River and thundering waterfalls like Roaring Billy and Thunder Creek Falls. It’s a place where native wildlife thrives, including the rare Fiordland crested penguin and the endangered Hector’s dolphin, making it a dream destination for photographers and conservation enthusiasts.
Things to Do in and Around Haast
A drive along the Haast Pass Highway is a highlight in itself, offering panoramic views and access to scenic stops such as the Blue Pools and Fantail Falls. For those keen to stretch their legs, the Hapuka Estuary Walk is a short, accessible trail that provides excellent birdwatching and peaceful views over wetlands and native bush.
Adventure-seekers can take a jet boat safari up the Haast River or explore isolated beaches like Jackson Bay, the southernmost point of the West Coast road. This quiet bay is rich in Māori and European history, and it’s also a great place to enjoy freshly caught seafood from the local wharf café. With limited mobile coverage and few crowds, Haast offers a truly off-the-grid experience.
Top Things to Do in Haast New Zealand
- Visit Roaring Billy and Thunder Creek Falls
- Drive the scenic Haast Pass and stop at Blue Pools
- Take a Haast River jet boat safari
- Explore Jackson Bay and its historic wharf
- Walk the Hapuka Estuary Trail for birdwatching
- Discover local wildlife including penguins and dolphins
- Enjoy fishing or photography on Haast Beach
- Visit the Haast Visitor Centre for local history and conservation exhibits
- Camp at DOC sites under star-filled skies
- Experience the isolation and beauty of New Zealand’s wild West Coast
Settlers seeking pounamu, gold, deer, and timber have contributed to the rich history of Haast. The 1860's saw German explorer Julius von Haast name the Haast Pass, sparking early tourism efforts by Scottish explorer Charlie Douglas in the 1890s. Aviation history was made in Haast with the first commercial flight in New Zealand, while European settlement was attempted at nearby Jackson Bay.
The Maori had long used Haast Pass for trade, and in 1990, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the area's history through walks like the Hapuka Estuary Walk and visit the Information Shelter and Lonely Grave at Jackson Bay.
An extinct bird of prey, the Haast's Eagle was once found only in New Zealand's South Island. It was one of the largest eagles that ever existed, with an estimated weight of up to 18kg. The bird had a distinctive white tail and a wingspan of up to 3 meters, making it capable of taking down even large prey such as moa. Unfortunately, the species was hunted to extinction by early Maori hunters around the 1400s, and it is now only known through fossils and ancient accounts.
