Vacation rentals in Haast

The small town of Haast sits at the mouth of the Haast River on the southwest coast of the South Island in New Zealand. Just a few hundred people live in the three settlements that make up Haast. The Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area is so pristine, it’s said to reflect how the terrain looked 200 million years ago.

Haast is remote — mobile phone reception stretches just a few miles outside town, broadband internet is still a novelty, and the nearest big grocery store is two hours away. But, you don’t visit Haast for the buzz of a big city: you come here to enjoy some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. In the town itself, you’ll find a few shops, cafes, and restaurants where locally caught whitebait is always on the menu.

Locals say you can experience all four seasons in New Zealand within the same day, but you’ll always need sunscreen to combat the country’s strong UV rays. Because of the rainforest and wetlands around Haast, it is one of the wettest parts of the country, so be prepared to adjust your route after heavy rain. The township gets an average rainfall of 134 inches a year, so it’s best to pack wet weather gear whenever you visit.

Winter — which, in the Southern Hemisphere, means June through August — is the driest and coldest season, with temperatures hovering just above freezing, and many New Zealand winter sports enthusiasts make their annual pilgrimage to the South Island at this time of year. The summer months of December and January bring mild days, but March through May is probably the best time to visit, when the days are still long and temperatures haven’t yet dropped to winter levels.

Hiking

The best way for you to explore the natural beauty of Te Wahipounamu is on foot. There are hundreds of hiking trails through the rainforest and wetlands in Mount Aspiring National Park and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the two sections of the World Heritage Area closest to Haast. Some are multi-day treks that involve camping in the forest; others can be as short as a 10-minute stroll to see a picturesque view.

Jet Boats

The shallow glacial rivers of the Waiatoto and Haast are ideal for jet boats. Tours take you up into Mt. Aspiring National Park, getting views only seen from the water. Some of the boats have all-weather roofing, making it possible to take to the rivers year round. Trained guides help make 360s in the fast-flowing water fun rather than scary.

Heli-trips

Only from the air do you get the chance to see the expanse and majesty of Te Wahipounamu. Helicopter flights can take you to the glaciers of Mount Hooker or the hanging lakes and cascading waterfalls of the backcountry. A hop along the South Westland coast gives you a chance to spot dolphins in the Tasman Sea.