Top Things to do in Haast
10 Things to Do in Haast That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Haast, New Zealand including Waiatoto River Safari, Haast Visitor Centre, Haast River Safari, Haast Heli, Ship Creek walks, Knights Point Lookout, Wharekai Te Kou, Roaring Billy Falls, Greenstone Helicopters day tours, Aotearoa Gemstones.
Restaurants in Haast
1. Waiatoto River Safari
Overall Ratings
5 based on 170 reviews
Waiatoto River Safari. Only NZ jet boat tour from the ocean to the Mountains 2.25 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 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 maori name for the South West New Zealand World Heritage area and take home memories that will have you yearning to return once more.
Reviewed By Lauren L - London, United Kingdom
My husband and I spent a couple of days in Haast and decided to do the Waiatoto River Safari after Reading the excellent reviews in both Trip Adviser and in the Lonely Planet guide. The tour itself was nice - just under two hours in a jet boat up the river to the Mountains and back out to the Tasman Sea. Our guide, Ruth, was informative and friendly. Unfortunately for us, the weather was terrible (as it often seems to be on the West Coast) so our views were limited and we spent the majority of the tour shielding from the weather. Whilst we enjoyed the tour well enough, I have to say that $199 per person is outrageously expensive. When you compare other activities you could find for that price (for instance, a half day guided kayaking, or an 8 hour Doubtful Sound boat trip), the River Safari seems hugely expensive for what you get.
I would also advise anyone going to try and find one of the rare good weather days, and bring lots of insect repellent (or layers!) for the sandflies!
2. Haast Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By gardengirl54 - Papaikou, Hawaii
A great place to stop and get info and shop. Lovely little shop with nice selection of gear and souveniers. We got top notch information about the area and a map. There are displays on either side of the shop for information and local wildlife etc.
3. Haast River Safari
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Tillari T
Wonderful day with Wayne on the boat. We viewed spectacular scenery, were educated on kiwi conservation project, and jetted through some rapids. Learnt about fishing for white bait and were directed to where we were able to purchase this. Lovely simple scones and teas were provided.... delicious.
Easy walk in rainforest. Great family business to support. Friendly and Ruth was great for bookings. Highly recommended for a family day out
4. Haast Heli
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
Pick a Scenic Flight of your choice...from wild untouched Wilderness picnic flights or glacier sightseeing..fishing drop offs and pickups..or your own personal package designed by you and your pilot...come in and see us at our office..friendly and helpful staff will guide you to your ultimate flying experience.MILFORD SOUND-GLACIERS-MT ASPIRING-HUNTING & FISHING Safaris
Reviewed By Ina R - Germany
We were so lucky to find Haast Heli as it was a very personal experience, tailored to our interests! The staff and the pilot were extremely friendly, helpful and went above and beyond. Loads of interesting facts about the places we saw, the pilot helped spotting deer and sprout and even directed the helicopter so we could see the deer better. We landed twice in stunning locations, got amazing pictures taken and back in the office the staff even printed the best picture of us with the heli in the background which the pilot took.
An amazing experience which I'll never forget and I can highly recommend it to everybody who would like a more private flight (we were only the two of us in the heli) and who likes to decide where to go and how long to fly (=how much money to spend) themselves.
5. Ship Creek walks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By venetianintown - Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Quite a graphic beach with the dead wood mounding up. Bad weather when we went but the creek looked good, well worth the visit. Do protect yourself with insect repellent, these little blighters mean business. There is a car park which is free.
6. Knights Point Lookout
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Alan C - Hong Kong, China
Whilst travelling along SH6 we made a brief stop off for 5-10 minutes. Nice, but not spectacular coastal views. We were warned in Christchurch of the sandflies on the West Coast. Definitely apply insect repellent before getting out of the car. Two days on the bites are still itchy.
7. Wharekai Te Kou
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By skatecreekrd - Seattle, Washington
This is a really nice walk along a creek through the forest, that's the best part. Once on the beach we were attacked by a hoard of biting black flies. They were so aggressive even bug repellant may not work. Go for the forest walk but be prepared for the beach.
8. Roaring Billy Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By drjandthemissus - Dubai
Beautiful falls on an easy walk through the forest. It takes about 10 minutes to get there and you are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall and river passing by at your feet. I suppose you could get into the (freezing!) water if you wanted to.
Definitely worth a stop as you are passing through the area.
9. Greenstone Helicopters day tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 77LizK - Boulder, Colorado
We were lucky to fly with Pete on our heli fly fishing adventure while in NZ. Pete is awesome!!!! He is competent, calm, and a wonderful pilot. This was our first time in a helicopter and he quickly put our nerves at ease with his ease and confidence. Needless to say the views were amazing - ocean views on one side, rivers, Mountains on the other - chasing stags along the ridge - amazing!! We would highly recommend Pete and his crew - can't wait till our next time. Thanks Pete - Liz and Shawn.
10. Aotearoa Gemstones
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
100% NZ Gallery stocking all things NZ - including Jade Jewellery and Natural Pebbles and Rocks, huge selection of Gemstones and Jewellery, Traditional Maori Craft, Wood products, and locally made products including preserves. Come in and see us to experience the traditional stone crafting process and learn about our National Treasures. Extensive information available in store. You will not find any imported products instore only Authentic NZ product.
Reviewed By Kim E - Perth, Australia
We happened upon Aotearoa Gemstones when a road closure kept us in Haast overnight. It was an unexpected treasure! The quality and selection is unmatched in Queenstown and Te Anau. I wish I'd known that at the time. Wonderful service, as well. Don't pass it by!
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