South Island route
Haast to Wanaka drive
Haast to Wanaka is about 2 hours (145 km) by car, via Fantail & Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools and Lake Hāwea lookout. Sealed. Inland from the coast at Haast over the Haast Pass through Mount Aspiring National Park, then along Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea to Wanaka. Winding through the pass.
- Distance
- 145 km
- Drive time
- 2 hours
- Best time
- Year-round
- Stops
- Fantail & Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, Lake Hāwea lookout
Last updated 4 August 2026
The drive from Haast to Wanaka is the eastern half of the great West Coast crossing — a tightly scenic run over the Haast Pass through Mount Aspiring National Park, past the famous Blue Pools and a string of waterfalls, then along the lakes into Wanaka. Here’s the distance, drive time, best stops, and tips for this alpine leg.
- Christchurch handover
- Considered fleet
- Local knowledge
Quick facts
Distance
145 km (approx)
Drive time
2 hours (approx)
Best time to go
Year-round. The Haast Pass can be affected by snow and heavy rain; check NZTA before you leave the coast.
Route character: Sealed. Inland from the coast at Haast over the Haast Pass through Mount Aspiring National Park, then along Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea to Wanaka. Winding through the pass.
Suits couples, families, and anyone planning a proper South Island loop.
Why this drive is special
The drive from Haast to Wanaka is the eastern half of the great West Coast crossing — a tightly scenic run over the Haast Pass through Mount Aspiring National Park, past the famous Blue Pools and a string of waterfalls, then along the lakes into Wanaka. Here’s the distance, drive time, best stops, and tips for this alpine leg.
Highlights along the way
- Haast Pass through Mount Aspiring National Park
- The Blue Pools swing-bridge walk
- Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls
- First views of Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea at the Neck
Cars for this route
Long touring, passes, and comfort on the road — pick what fits your pace.
Range Rover Sport (Diesel)
Seats
5
Typical 3-day total: ~$990
Concierge delivery and collection, free (Christchurch)
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Best stops along the way
Haast
Fuel and supplies before the pass — the last services until Wanaka.
Best for: Fuel, Supplies, Start
Fantail & Thunder Creek Falls
Two roadside waterfalls with short, easy walks through the beech forest.
Best for: Photos, Quick stops
Blue Pools
A 30-minute return walk to glacier-fed pools of astonishing blue over the swing bridge.
Best for: Photos, Short walk, Highlight
Lake Hāwea lookout
The pass opens onto Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea; the Neck between them is a classic viewpoint.
Best for: Photos, Viewpoint
Wanaka
Lakefront town and a relaxed base for the Southern Lakes.
Best for: Arrival, Lake, Accommodation
Driving tips
- Fill up at Haast — there’s no fuel until Wanaka. Times vary with stops, weather and roadworks.
- Mobile coverage is patchy through the pass; download maps and check NZTA before you leave the coast.
- The Blue Pools walk is the highlight — allow 30–45 minutes for the return trip.
Times vary with stops, weather, and roadworks. Check NZTA for road conditions.
Nearby drives
Continue your South Island journey with a connecting leg.
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