What to do and see in Haast, South Island: The Best Things to do

Waiatoto River Safari. New Zealand's only jet boat tour from the ocean to the Alps. You will experience a minimum of 2 hours of extraordinary nature and exceptional beauty only seen on this trip. Experience the history of Gondwana land, smell the rainforest as you walk softly through the dripping ferns with the sparkling clear light shimmering, with the snowy peaks as your backdrop. Your experienced local guide will lead you through the ancient river, still untouched as it was thousands years ago when the Maori first roamed the land, the great Moa bird and Haast eagle still ruled the ancient forests. You will experience the magical, breathtaking beauty of the Te Wahipounamu, the Māori name for the South West New Zealand World Heritage area and take home memories that will have you yearning to return once more.

Greenstone Helicopters operates from Haast and Neils Beach, on the South Island’s West Coast. We Operate scenic flights in this untouched World Heritage area range from shorter local tours, with an emphasis on greenstone history, to longer trips to Mount Aspiring and its glaciers, and to iconic Milford Sound. We also specialize in personalised, guided fly fishing charters to many remote rivers and streams and provide hunting trip support with drop offs and pick ups in the West Coast bush wilderness.

The stunning Haast World Heritage Area is one of New Zealand's top attractions and provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience incredible views of New Zealand’s last frontier. We specialise in scenic flights over this region’s spectacular and varied scenery, including alpine areas, waterfalls, hidden lakes and the stunning West Coast of the South Island. Haast has a temperate climate so hunting is available all year round. We specialise in hunting and fishing trips and we customise every trip to meet your needs and offer guided trips. Walk-ins welcome.

Services available. Awarua/ Haast Visitor Centre offers informative displays about the unique Cultural, Historic and Natural features of South Westland. What to see and do in the Haast Area including walking track information. We sell Back Country Hut Tickets & Annual Hut Passes. We can also issue Open Area Hunting Permits. In store we have for sale Conservation related souvenir products. Public Toilets and baby change tables.

Ship Creek offers two short loop walks, as well as access to the stunning coastline, a lookout tower with 360 degree views, picnic tables and toilet facilities. The Dune Lake Walk 30 min- winding through the sand dunes and dense coastal forest with amazing lookout points over the southern coastline and dune lake. Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk 20 min- a boardwalk following Ship Creek and looping underneath the Swamp Kahikatea Trees. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Awarua/ Haast Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Roaring Billy Falls Walk 25 min 1km return. Wheelchair accessible. An easy walk through fern lined paths, ending at the Haast River, looking out across to the Roaring Billy Waterfall.

Wharekai-Te Kou Walk is a 40 min return walk- 1.6 km. Starting from Jackson Bay the walk winds its way through the forested Wildlife Refuge, emerging onto the rocky shore at Ocean Beach. Explore tidal rock pools at low tide. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Awarua/ Haast Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.

Knights Point Lookout A stunning lookout over the rugged western coastline and Tasman Sea. Excellent car parking, toilet facilities and picnic tables.

Lake Ellery Walk, 1-2 hour return 3km. A pleasant walk through beech forest to a glacier formed lake. The track meanders alongside the slow moving Ellery Stream ending at a picnic table with a fantastic view of the lake. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Haast, Awarua Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times