Haast

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Haast Regional Information

Haast is a small township at the mouth of the Haast River, located 120 kilometres south of Fox Glacier.

The Haast region is a designated World Heritage Area in which ancient rainforest grows amidst wetlands and native birds such as the fantail, bellbird, kaka, kiwi and morepork are widely heard.

The area is also known for a very different kind of wildlife: the whitebait which swim in local rivers from September through to November each year are considered a local delicacy. These small, translucent fish swim up West Coast rivers and are caught in nets and traps, to be consumed in the form of whitebait patties and burgers.

Turning inland from Haast onto the Haast Pass, the road carries on into the Mount Aspiring National Park, to an altitude of 563 metres. As the road continues, thick, lush vegetation is replaced by alpine tussock and scrub. On the journey from Haast to Wanaka, there are a number of waterfalls which are just a few minutes' walk from the highway. This route was used by Maori prior to the arrival of European settlers, to carry precious greenstone from the West Coast to Otago.

Alternatively, the road continues south from Haast to Jackson Bay, literally the southern end of the line on the West Coast. This small fishing village has a natural ocean harbour and is sheltered from prevailing winds. In the 1870's, Jackson Bay was established as a settlement, but failed to thrive in the face of unsuccessful farming ventures. Today, fishers catch lobster, tuna, tarakihi and gurnard. Visitors to this quaint hamlet can walk in the bay and surrounding area, contemplate one of the earliest settler graves and enjoy fresh fish and chips on the wharf.

Navigate with our great Haast map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on West Coast weather.

For further information on Haast, visit the West Coast information site.