Where is Haast Pass?
New Zealand, oceania
139 km
569 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, road trip lovers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Haast Pass on New Zealand's South Island. Seriously, they say it's one of the most stunning alpine routes in the whole country, and I'm here to tell you, they aren't wrong.
This beauty straddles the West Coast and Otago regions, and it's not just a pretty drive – it's got history! The Maori used this route for greenstone, and it took decades of hard work (think picks and shovels!) to build the road we cruise on today.
State Highway 6, also known as the Haast Pass-Makarora Road, is completely paved. You'll be winding your way for 139 km (86 miles) between Wanaka and Haast, with no towns to stop at in between, so fill up before you leave!
Now, a heads up: This isn't a Sunday drive. Expect countless curves and bends. Keep an eye out for one-lane bridges (heavy vehicles, take note of the speed limits) and be aware of slip hazards, especially in bad weather.
Located in the Mount Aspiring National Park, you might encounter closures after heavy snow or ice, but usually, it's just a temporary thing. Allow about 2 hours for the drive itself, but trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll be driving through rainforests, past wetlands, lakes, and rivers. It's a feast for the eyes, so don’t forget your camera!
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 139 km
- Max Elevation
- 569 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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