Drive between Wanaka and Haast

Drive between Wanaka and Haast

9 Rankers Reviews

6 Face-to-Face

19 Wanaka Township

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Information

Drive between Wanaka and Haast

Distance: 145km (90 miles), Approximately: 2 hours 20 minutes

Follow State Highway 6 east from Wanaka across the Clutha River to Lake Hawea. From Lake Hawea to Haast Pass the road rises above the Lakes as we follow the western shore of Lake Hawea passing between the peaks to follow the north eastern shore of Lake Wanaka into the Makarora River Valley.

Having crossed the Pass we follow the Haast River from its headwaters to where it meets the Landsborough before turning sharply west.

Just beyond Pleasant Flat the Haast meets the Landsborough where both river and road take that sharp turn mentioned previously. From here it is approximately 42kms to the Coast just beyond the settlement of Haast.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Drive between Wanaka and Haast

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandWanaka RegionWanaka Township

Categories

  • Activity__scenic_attractionsScenic Attractions
  • Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-44.6599542682031

169.222204589844

Latitude
-44.6599542682031
Longitude
169.222204589844

Nearby

Reviews

    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 6
    67%
    9/10 2
    22%
    8/10 0
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    7/10 1
    11%
    6/10 0
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    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
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    2/10 0
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    1/10 0
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  • 3.5/5

    Absolutely nice drive with great spots for pausing, enjoying the nature of even stay over night.

    Drive when it’s still light

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    The drive from Wanaka to Haast is one of the most impressive we have ever done, if not number one!

    Plenty of places to stop and admire the views along the way - Blue Pools being a great one to stop and chill if you have the time.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely stunning and is a must do.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in December 2015

  • 5.0/5

    Magnitude of mountains in the region, incredible waterfall, gorgeous drive!

    Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in November 2014

  • 5.0/5

    Haast not much there.

    But the drive through the mountains to Wanaka is mile after mile of stunning snow topped mountains, towering waterfalls and the Makataura River. We stayed 1 night at the DOC site at Pleasant Flat (great basic DOC with campfire) and then freedom camped right on the river pasted the Haast Pass. Life experience. Self Contained only.

    Reviewed about 10 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    We really enjoyed the road over the Haast Pass - easy enough to drive, but great scenery and lovely stopping points.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014

  • 5.0/5

    One of the best drives I had experienced in my life.

    Driving from a lake to another, then through a forest, through gorges..... just great.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014

  • 4.5/5

    Beautiful Drive through amazing countryside and mountains.

    Most enjoyable - even if it was raining.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    A nice drive with great views, waterfalls all over the rocks and it is just 100% New Zealand.

    Reviewed almost 12 years ago