Haast: Rainforest, rivers and unique nature experiences

Haast stands out for its nature experiences: The Kōkako Track passes through native forest and swamp forest with tall rimu trees, rata and ferns, all the way to Haast Beach. Other highlights include river safaris, frequent sightings of Fiordland crested penguins and a local whitebait speciality. If you are considering Haast as a holiday destination, you can plan your trip around the experiences that interest you most: forest and birdsong, a river journey, or nature and food discoveries.

Walk or cycle through the forest

The Kōkako Track starts in Haast Township and follows a disused logging road through native forest to Haast Beach. The track is 5.5 km each way and can be used by most people on foot or by bicycle. Tall rimu trees, rata and ferns grow in the swamp forest along the way; you can also hear tūī and bellbirds singing. The track combines a longer stretch through the forest with a destination at the beach.

The starting point is the car park at the end of Tahutahi Road in Haast Township. The Kōkako Walk/Cycleway is wheelchair accessible. Dogs are permitted on the track with a permit, which can be issued by the DOC Haast Visitor Centre. This information can help you factor the track and its conditions into your excursion plans.

River safaris with a range of experiences

The Haast River Safari travels in fully enclosed jet boats through the South Westland World Heritage Area. The journey crosses the Alpine Fault and passes through subtropical rainforest and old kahikatea stands. A short bush walk first leads to the riverbank; passengers board the boats via a step-free entrance at the front. During the safari, there is also an opportunity to get out of the boat and enjoy the views. This makes the experience quite different from a walk on the Kōkako Track: the focus here is on the river journey, rainforest and views from the water.

The Waiatoto River Safari is a jet boat safari lasting more than two hours on the Waiatoto River, into the remote hinterland of Haast. It is considered family-friendly, suitable for all age groups and wheelchair accessible for people with limited mobility. The jet boat has a removable roof that provides shelter in the rain and panoramic views in sunshine. During the tour, there is an opportunity to go ashore and try whitebait. These are practical features to consider when weighing up this excursion for families and groups with different needs.

Nature and conservation

Haast is part of the Department of Conservation’s kiwi protection programme. The Kōkako Track also has a community-run trapline to control introduced rats and stoats. Here, nature experiences and conservation come together in a very tangible way on the same track. Fiordland crested penguins, also known as tawaki, are frequently seen in Haast.

Haast lies on the edge of Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand, a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Area. Haast is considered the last visible human influence there. This gives the landscape a distinctive context: rainforest, rivers and wildlife shape the nature experiences, while Haast lies at the edge of this World Heritage Area.

Whitebait from Haast

There is also a local culinary connection: Curly Tree Whitebait Company in Haast offers whitebait patties as a local speciality. You can also try whitebait during the Waiatoto River Safari when you go ashore during the tour. These two occasions pair a regional speciality with different experiences—one as an offering in Haast, the other as part of the river safari.

Finding your way around

The Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre is in Haast Junction on State Highway 6, between the Haast River Bridge and Haast Township. You can get information there about local walking tracks, huts and campsites. This is a good place to find out about other options in the area and plan outdoor activities to suit your interests.

Discover more places

If you would like to explore more town pages, you can also find Ross, Hokitika, Kakapotahi, Otira, Bruce Bay, Kokatahi, Okarito and Fox Glacier here.

For the overview of the wider region: Westland District.