I’m embarrassed to admit…BUT we almost didn’t take this day trip during our time on the South Island! We had an extra day in Wanaka, it was pouring rain and a bit cold out, and we were exhausted from the first half of our trip.
HOWEVER, we put our layers and rain gear on and headed out the door anyway (because I saw a picture of one of the waterfalls) AND I AM SO GLAD WE DID. Here’s our exact Wanaka to Haast Road Trip Itinerary (+ some extra ideas if you have more time!)
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Table of Contents
Wanaka to Haast Overview
The drive from Wanaka to Haast is arguably one of New Zealand’s most underrated and picturesque road trips (there are maaaaany). It sort of reminded me of The Road To Hana on Maui with the sheer amount of waterfalls and unique roadside stops.
If you were to drive directly from Wanaka to Haast it would take approximately 1.5 hours (about 50 miles). However, with the stops, I recommend blocking out your full day.
Here’s a quick overview of our one-day Haast Pass road trip! Full details are below!
- 7:00: Breakfast in Wanaka
- 8:30: Blue Pools
- 10:00: Fantail Falls
- 11:00: Thunder Creek Falls
- 12:00: Roaring Billy Falls
- 1:30: Makarora Country Cafe (on the way back to Wanaka) Or Continue on to Haast and Beyond!
Know Before You Go
When I was in the initial planning phases of this day trip, I didn’t find a whole lot of information out there. We took off with a list of potential stops and not much else. Here are a few things I wish I would have known before!
Best time to Visit:
The best time to road trip to Haast Pass is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (October to April). This period offers the most pleasant weather for exploring, with mild temperatures and longer daylight hours. We visited the South Island at the end of November and had 8 days of sun and 1 day of rain!
Summer (December to February) brings vibrant landscapes, lush greenery, and ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter (June to August) can bring snow and colder temperatures, which may make the road more challenging, but also offers a quieter, more serene experience for those prepared for the conditions.
Always check weather and road conditions before traveling, especially in the cooler months (see below for more specifics about this).
Suggested Duration:
I recommend blocking out one full day for this day trip (8ish hours). This allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenic drive, make stops at key points along the way, and take in the breathtaking views.
If you want to explore more, consider two days—spend the first day on the drive itself and the second day exploring Haast Pass and nearby attractions like the West Coast beaches.
Road Conditions:
Road conditions between Wanaka and Haast Pass can vary depending on the time of year and weather. Generally, the road is well-maintained (and not super windy), but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Before setting off, it’s recommended to check the latest road conditions on the NZTA website or local resources to avoid any surprises during your road trip.
When we visited, the road past the city of Haast was completely closed. It appears it closes quite often on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ongoing repairs, but it’s worth checking the website before you head out. It’s super easy to understand and use!
Wanaka to Haast Pass Road Trip: 1-Day Itinerary
Your Haast Pass Road Trip will start from Wanaka. I recommend grabbing breakfast and packing a few snacks before leaving the town!
Stop 1: Blue Pools
- Drive time: 73 km ~1 hour
The Blue Pools in New Zealand’s Haast Pass are a stunning natural attraction known for their crystal-clear, turquoise waters. The easy, well-maintained 1.5 km (0.9-mile) return hike takes you through lush beech forest and across a scenic swing bridge before reaching the pools.
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially in peak season. While the pools are inviting, the water is freezing cold year-round, making for a refreshing (or shocking!) swim if you’re brave enough.
The area is a protected conservation site, so jumping from the bridge is not allowed.
IMPORTANT! Unfortunately, the bridge to the Blue Pools has been closed since August 2024. It is expected to open up soon, but be sure to check the status before making this stop.
Bonus Stop! If you are okay with getting wet/have extra shoes, be sure to stop at Wilson Creek Canyon (11 km from Blue Pools). We unfortunately didn’t pack extra shoes so we had to skip it, but it looks incredible!
Stop 2: Fantail Falls
- Drive Time: 13 km ~ 12 minutes
Fantail Falls is a picturesque 75-foot-high waterfall in Mount Aspiring National Park, named for its shape resembling a fantail bird’s tail. It’s just a 2-minute walk (about 100 meters) from the car park along Haast Highway, making it an easy stop.
Stop 3: Thunder Creek Falls
- Drive Time: 6 km ~ 7 minutes
Thunder Creek Falls, nearby, is a stunning 92-foot waterfall cascading into the Haast River. The trail to the falls is a short 5-minute walk (about 200 meters) from the parking area, making it easily accessible for all visitors. This was the most breathtaking waterfall along the drive for sure! Also, the short rainforest walks are amazing!
It felt like we stepped right inside the Jurassic Park era!
Stop 4: Roaring Billy Falls
- Drive Time: 18 km ~ 22 minutes
I thought this was going to be the least exciting stop on the list, however, it blew me away just like the others. It was a great surprise after our disappointment of the Blue Pools being closed.
After a short hike through the rainforest, you arrive at the bluest water I’ve seen. If it wasn’t raining, it would have been the best spot for a picnic!
Note: This is where we turned around due to the road closure. However, if you visit during a time when the road is available/have extra time, it would be worth continuing. See below for additional stops to add to your Haast Pass Day Trip!
Stop 5: The Makarora County (on the return to Wanaka)
- Drive Time: 55 km ~47 minutes (And, 59 km back to the hotel).
After your day of chasing waterfalls, be sure to stop by the Makarora County Cafe. It gave all the Hallmarky vibes, was family-run, and was the perfect spot to grab a toasty and some ice cream. Plus, there’s a cafe dog! It’s the perfect way to end your road trip!
Other Potential Stops Along Haast Pass
- Lake Hawea Viewpoint: Located just 20 miles from Wanaka, this is a great viewpoint to check out!
- Haast River Lookout: A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the winding Haast River and surrounding mountains.
- Haast: Haast is a small town home to 2 restaurants, several scenic walking trails, and the famous Waiatoto River Safari.
- Depot Creek Falls: A small but scenic waterfall just a short stroll from the roadside.
- Cameron Flat: A serene picnic spot with views of the river valley and surrounding peaks.
Things to do AFTER Haast Pass
If you have additional time (ideally an additional day), here are some amazing stops after you pass Haast!
- Monro Beach: A scenic 45-minute walk through lush rainforest leads to this secluded beach, where you might spot Fiordland crested penguins between July and December.
- Ship Creek: A must-stop along the West Coast, offering short boardwalk trails through wetlands and dunes, stunning coastal views, and the chance to spot Hector’s dolphins.
- Harihari Coastal Highway: A breathtaking stretch of road with rugged coastline, rainforest-covered hills, and plenty of scenic stops showcasing the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast.
- Fox Glacier: One of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, where you can take guided hikes, scenic flights, or enjoy stunning viewpoints along well-marked walking tracks.
- Knights Point Lookout: A stunning coastal viewpoint with sweeping views of the Tasman Sea and rugged cliffs.
Wanaka to Haast Road Trip Map
I hope you found this Haast Pass guide helpful in planning this fun detour! Here’s a map to help + other things to do while visiting the South Island!
- Hiking Roys Peak (Is it Worth it??)
- Swimming with Hector’s Dolphins
- COMPLETE 9-Day South Island Itinerary
- South Island New Zealand Restaurants with a View
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