New Zealand
South Island
Location / Place Guide
Haast Pass
My Connection to This Location
One of the most surprisingly beautiful parts of my road trip. I’ve ordered the must-see stops in the order you can visit them, from north to south.
Must Sees
Must-see stops for this place.
Knight's Point
A beautiful lookout and the perfect stopping point for a quick break during your drive.
Ship Creek Walks
Two very distinct walking options. One takes you toward the beach, while the other leads you into a swampy forest environment. The trails showcase a great variety of landscapes, including sand dunes, lakes, and lush greenery.
Pro Tip
Budget about 45 minutes to complete both walks. Bring sandfly repellent, especially for the swampy areas.
Roaring Billy Falls
Just a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, this small waterfall is surrounded by vast mountains and stunning water.
Pro Tip
If the river level is low enough, walk out onto the rocks for a closer look at the waterfall.
Thunder Creek Falls
One of the shortest walks and my favorite waterfall along Haast Pass. Tall and slender, the waterfall drops 92 feet into the pool below, surrounded by beautiful greenery.
Pro Tip
A stop I definitely wouldn’t skip.
Gates of Haast
Hop out of the car for a quick look at the water, or slowly drive across the bridge and take in the rushing river below.
Faintail Falls
A quick, serene stop along Haast Pass.
Wilson Creek Chasm
My all-time favorite spot along the pass. It’s a bit trickier to find, but once you locate the entrance, it’s a short walk to the main attraction. Maps should bring you to a gravel area where you can park. Walk less than a minute up the road until you see a guardrail on the right, then go around it into the rocks. If you see running water, you’re in the right place. Head further in, roll up your pants, and brave the cold water. The view from inside the canyon-like area, with water trickling down around you, is stunning.
Pro Tip
I went in late May and the sandflies were pretty bad, but the views were worth the bites.
Blue Pools
The shorter track is a 1-hour return walk. It was closed when I was in town, but I’d recommend adding it to your list. The photos of the water look incredible.