![The 12 Most Incredible Stops along the Haast Pass [with distances]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596b2969d2b85786e6892853/1640429920898-ZEPO9U3GM211F9HAP2VA/6D2A9565.jpg)
The Haast Pass - which runs between Wanaka and Haast - is one of the most spectacular stretches of road in New Zealand. The sheer number of incredible sights located along it is extraordinary.
We’re sharing all the stops you shouldn’t miss: from turquoise waterfalls, to canyons, deep blue glacier pools and even a place you can see the rare Tawakis (Fiordland crested penguins).
The road itself is fully sealed and will take you in-between glorious mountain ranges and past lakes so blue it takes all of your concentration to focus on the road ahead. This is one journey where it really pays to be the passenger!
Here are the best short stops along the Haast Pass.
Travelling the Haast Pass
The Haast Pass technically runs for around 140km and takes you between the towns of Wanaka and Haast. In this post we are going to include a couple of stops that are a little off the pass itself, one is a short detour and one you will pass anyway if travelling on to Glacier country.
In this guide we’re sticking to shorter stops, but if you have more time there are some epic longer hikes on route - you could spend days travelling the Haast Pass if time allows.
The best stops along the Haast Pass
1. Lake Hawea Viewpoint
Distance from Wanaka: 26km (20 minutes)
Lake Hawea is jaw-dropping. The shade of blue depends on the weather conditions and it looks different every time we see it. One thing remains the same though, and that’s its beauty.
There are several viewpoints along the way which allow you to stop and take some pictures. We’d recommend stopping at several as they each offer a different perspective, but our favourite is the “Lake Hawea Viewpoint”.
The lookouts are all above the lake though, if you want to get down to the lakeshore you do need to make a detour.
2. The Blue Pools
Distance from Lake Hawea: 44km (30 minutes)
The water colour in the Blue Pools is unlike anything I have ever seen before. It’s both a deep rich blue and crystal clear at the same time.
It’s a sublime spot and an absolute must visit. If you’re feeling brave you can take a dip in the glacial water, it’s freezing even in summer, but it will leave you feeling invigorated for the rest of the day! It has to be one of the most beautiful wild swimming spots I have ever seen.
The walk to get there is 3km return and very easy. It’s a well maintained trail which takes you through pretty forest before you come out at the gorge.
All of our tips for visiting the pools, including photography tips, are in this post.
3. The secret canyon
Distance from the Blue Pools: 11km (8 minutes)
This one is a bit of an adventure and not for everyone, but if you’re happy to get a bit wet then it may just be your favourite stop along the Pass.
Whilst running the whole canyon is only suitable for experienced canyoners, or with the help of a guide, the first part can be accessed via a regular (off track) hike.
It’s less than 150m between leaving the Haast Pass and arriving in the otherworldly slot canyon.
The moss covered canyon walls loom over you as you walk through the turquoise water towards the waterfall. It’s like something from a fairytale and it is guaranteed to wow you.
The walk may be short but it is over rocks and through water so it won’t be suitable for everyone. If water levels are high or rain is forecast entering even the beginning of a canyon can be very dangerous.
Please read our guide with safety advice for details and keep the canyon pristine.
4. Fantail Falls
Distance from the secret canyon: 3.2km (2 minutes)
Fantail Falls is a popular stop along the Haast Pass and for good reason. It’s a stunning waterfall that sits behind a glorious turquoise river.
From the car park it takes just a few minutes to reach the falls along a well maintained and flat track. You will arrive at a rocky riverbed on the opposite side of the river to the falls.
The view is great from here so you don’t need to cross the water to get a closer look, although some people do choose to.
5. The hidden turquoise waterfall
Distance from Fantail Falls: same car park
The hidden waterfall is incredible, it thunders out of a narrow chasm and tumbles into a turquoise pool. The tall canyon walls create a secluded air and the whole scene is just breathtaking.
However, as with the canyon, this is an off track adventure and requires walking through water which can be hip deep. There is also some scrambling involved. It’s a short walk but it’s definitely adventurous.
It requires low water levels and no chance of rain to be safe to access and even then it’s remote (and there is no cell signal).
Please read our full guide for everything you need to know about visiting safely and be prepared to save it for another time if conditions are not in your favour - we have plenty of other hidden spots on our website in other areas if you don’t get lucky here!
6. Thunder Creek Falls
Distance from Fantail Falls: 6km - 5 minutes
Thunder Creek Falls is a real beauty and very easy to access. The tall slender falls drop into a boulder strewn blue river and it’s a great place for a paddle.
The walk is just 250m return along an excellent pathway and only takes a few minutes each way.
There are a couple of stairs to get down to the lookout but it’s generally very easy.
You’ll notice a side trail to the left a little before the main lookout which offers a different view of the Haast River, as well as some old rail tracks!
7. Roaring Billy Falls
Distance from Thunder Creek Falls: 22km - 15 minutes
The walk to get to Roaring Billy Falls is 1.3km return and takes you through some absolutely beautiful mossy forest.
The gravel path is well maintained and it’s a really peaceful stroll with a gorgeous soundtrack of the local birdlife along the way. It’s largely flat, with a little uphill on the way back.
You’ll come out a long pebbly river bank which you can walk over to get a slightly closer look at the falls.
The waterfall itself is lovely, but you can only view it from a distance (without fording a river and it’s always looked very fast flowing when I’ve visited!) and for this reason they are probably my least favourite along the Pass.
“Least favourite” should be taken in context though because it’s still a wonderful spot. I absolutely love the turquoise river which flows in front of the falls and could happily sit for hours mesmerised by the colour.
8. Depot Creek Falls
Distance from Roaring Billy Falls: 5km - 4 minutes
Depot Creek Falls is another pretty waterfall and - for whatever reason - it’s not signposted (but does appear on Google Maps), so it doesn’t see many visitors.
It’s not in the same league as some of the others, as it’s missing that blue water, but it’s a peaceful spot and worth a visit if you’re a waterfall lover like we are.
The walk to get there is just 50m and takes less than a minute. It’s a gravel path through a truly fabulous little patch of forest and winds very gently uphill.
9. Jackson Bay - detour from the pass
Distance from Depot Creek Falls: 75km - 55 minutes
The drive to Jackson Bay is a detour, but if you have the time then I think it’s worth it. I love it here, with the gorgeous sandy beach and snow-capped mountain backdrop. It really does have the wow factor.
However, as wonderful as the view is, it’s probably best to come when The Cray Pot is open, so that it feels like more of an event.
You can grab fish and chips or a coffee and sit in the little shack, or out on the terrace and soak up those world class views.
The fish and chips were great, though we thought they were pretty expensive, but I guess you’re paying for the remote location. The coffee was also good - which we weren’t expecting - so that was definitely a win as we haven’t had any other good coffee along the Pass.
It’s worth popping to have a look at Neils Beach (5.5km from Jackson Bay) on the drive back to the Haast Pass. The beach is huge, littered with driftwood and offers a distant view of the Southern Alps.
It’s very atmospheric and though we didn’t get lucky, it’s a good spot for Hector’s dolphin sightings.
10. Ship Creek
Distance from Jackson Bay: 64km - 50 minutes
Distance from Depot Creek Falls: 40km - 30 minutes
There are a couple of short easy walking trails which leave from Ship Creek, but even if you don’t fancy a walk it’s worth stopping for the view. You can climb the little tower (which has two ladders) for a great ocean vista.
We walked the 1.2km (return) Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk, which was flat and easy and took us through some fabulous forest and along the creek.
You even get to see some of New Zealand’s tallest native trees. It was really relaxing and a great place to stretch your legs.
I think 1km Dune Lake Walk which takes you to the lake over some sand dunes might be even better, but it was blowing a gale on our visit. The forest provided welcome shelter if you’re in the same boat.
11. Knights Point Lookout
Distance from Ship Creek: 10km - 10 minutes
The Knights Point Lookout is a just a quick photo stop, but it’s definitely worth taking a look for the spectacular view over the rocky headland and distant islands.
The Tasman Sea was still as a mill pond on our visit, but I can imagine it would be just as impressive on a wild windswept day.
There are a couple of viewpoints and each are just a few seconds walk to reach.
12. Monro Beach
Distance from Knights Point Lookout: 6km - 5 minutes
Monro Beach is sublime, with pristine sand, huge sea stacks just offshore and sparkling blue water on a sunny day.
The beach is reached via a sensational rainforest track which is full of dense trees and embankments dripping in moss.
The 5.2km return walk is very easy and almost entirely flat. It’s either along a gravel path or boardwalk so you don’t have to contend with any of that typical West Coast mud.
If you are lucky and visiting in the right season you will also have the chance to spot some of the rare Tawakis (Fiordland crested penguins).
They waddle along the beach all hunched over which is as comical as it is adorable. All of our tips on where to find the penguins and when, as well as details on the beach and walk are in this post.
Tips for travelling the Haast Pass
The road is sealed and in excellent condition but can be windy at times. There are often roadworks so it’s best to allow more time than you think you’ll need.
There are very limited food options along the way, there is a cafe at Makarora which isn’t always open, as well as a few places in Haast and then The Cray Pot in Jackson Bay - which is a detour. Probably best to have some snacks!
Although there are petrol stations, they are not abundant, so I would fill up in Wanaka or wherever you are starting your journey.
Lots of the most beautiful spots along the Pass are pretty sandfly ridden so bring repellant with you.
If you want to extend your journey, which we’d recommend if you can, there are campsites scattered along the Pass (many require forward booking) as well as other accommodation in Makarora and Haast.
Where to stay along the Haast Pass
There are a number of campsites along the Haast Pass, but if you don’t want to camp we’d recommend checking out the places below. Where you stay depends on what attractions you’re looking to do although they aren’t too far apart.
Wonderland Makarora Lodge - Makarora
The Wonderland Lodge has rooms for all budgets but the superior studios are the stand outs - who wouldn’t want a soak in those glorious outdoor bathtubs? If your room type doesn’t come with a kitchenette (or it’s too basic) there is a shared kitchen which is handy in this remote area. Note that you don’t have wifi in the rooms here.
Check the latest prices and reviews on:
ASURE Aspiring Court Motel - Haast
There are quite a few options for places to stay in Haast, but for value for money we thought the Asure Aspiring Court Motel is the best.
The studios come with kitchenettes including a two ring hob which is really useful in Haast when dining options are limited. The bigger apartments have ovens too. The rooms are clean and comfy and the location is very quiet.
You can check out the reviews and prices on:
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thanks for your support!
