Destination guides > Pacific Islands > New Zealand > West Coast > Haast
Haast
This remote area at the southern end of the West Coast has some good hiking trails and offers the chance to see various bird species, including the rare Fiordland crested penguin. It sits beside Mount Aspiring National Park, where the major attractions are outdoors: jetboating, fishing, bushwalks and the popular Haast River Safaris. There is no real centre to Haast; rather, it is split between three areas. Most of the accommodation is located in Haast Township on State Highway 6, while the Tourist Information Centre is in Haast Junction. Haast Beach is at the end of Jackson Bay Road.
Practical information
Department of Conservation Visitor Centre
Corner State Highway 6 & Jackson Bay Road, Haast Junction
Tel (03) 750 0809
Website www.doc.govt.nz
Open Jan-Apr 9am-6.30pm daily; May-Oct 9am-4.30pm daily; Nov-Dec 9am-6.30pm daily
Coming & going
Buses running between Wanaka and the West Coast stop in Haast. InterCity Coachlines (tel (03) 365 1113) stops opposite Wilderness Backpackers and Naked Bus stops outside the Fantail Café on Marks Road.
Hostel accommodation
Haast Lodge
Marks Road, Haast
Tel (03) 750 0703
Wilderness Backpackers
Marks Road, Haast
Tel (03) 750 0029
Activities
Jet boating
Haast River Safari (tel (03) 750 0101 or 0800 865 382) operates jet boat rides on the Haast River. The trip departs from Haast Bridge and takes in the Haast River Valley. The 90-minute trip costs $120.
