How long is Haast Pass?
86.37 miles
How long is the Haast Pass? The pass road is 139 km (86.37 miles) long, running south-north from Wanaka, a resort town on the southern end of its namesake lake to Haast, a small town. No settlements exist on the Haast Pass road between both cities.
What is there to see between Wanaka and Haast?
The first scenic spot you’ll come to when driving between Wanaka and Haast is Lake Hawea. It’s a short drive from Wanaka (go there even if you’re not continuing to Haast) and there is heaps to see. You’ll get good views from the road, and the occasional viewpoint along it, and the town is also worth a look.
Does Haast Pass Close?
You never want to be caught by surprise in New Zealand. And the Haast Pass does close on occasion due to flooding and snow in the winter and spring.
Where do you stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
What are the best places to stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
- Lake Hawea.
- Lake Wanaka Lookout (just after “The Neck”)
- The Blue Pools.
- Haast Pass Lookout.
- Fantail Falls.
- Thunder Creek Falls.
- Haast River lookout.
- Roaring Billy Falls.
Can you drive to Franz Josef Glacier?
From Franz Josef village to the glacier you will have to drive or walk over a one way bridge. This bridge crosses the ice cold Waiho River that flows from underneath the Franz Josef glacier. You can pay for a shuttle from Franz Josef township to the Glacier $12.5 each.
Where is the Haast Pass?
South Island of New Zealand
The Haast Pass / Tioripatea is a mountain pass in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand.
Where should I stay between Hokitika and Wanaka?
Wanaka Hotels and Places to Stay
- Edgewater. View Hotel. Wanaka, Otago Region.
- Fairway Motel. View Hotel.
- Lakeside Apartments. View Hotel.
- Clearbrook Motel Wanaka. View Hotel.
- Distinction Wanaka Alpine Resort. View Hotel.
- Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka. View Hotel.
- The Moorings. View Hotel.
- Alpine Motel Wanaka and Apartments. View Hotel.
Is the road to Franz Josef open?
Glacier Motors, 20 Main Road, Franz Josef village. Open 7.30am–7.30pm in summer, 8am-7.00pm in winter, 7 days a week. Open 8am–7.00pm in summer, 8am-6.00pm in winter, 7 days a week.
What is there to do between Rick Anau and Wanaka?
Wanaka to Te Anau (incl. Milford Track)
- Skiing. Some of best skifields in the country can be found between Wanaka & Queenstown!
- TSS Earnslaw. Sail across Lake Wakatipu from the shores of Queenstown on this iconic vintage steamship – over 103 yrs old!
- Luge & Gondola.
- Milford Track.
- Doubtful Sound Excursion.
What’s better Franz Josef or Fox Glacier?
The most dramatic formations occur on a glacier when it moves downwards on a steep gradient. Fox Glacier has a gradual incline whereas Franz Josef is steeper. The surface of Franz Josef Glacier is full of crevasses and ice caves, where you have a much better chance of seeing the famous blue ice.
How long does it take to drive from Wanaka to Haast?
If you didn’t stop the road between Wanaka and Haast would take around two hours. You’ll obviously want to stop a few times though, so plan to spend at least three to four hours (or more). Is it a winding road? It’s not too bad, although there are some winding sections. If you suffer from motion sickness, you’d be best to take some pills.
What to see from Wanaka to the west coast?
The road from Wanaka to the West Coast (part of which is the Haast Pass) is probably my favourite New Zealand drive so far. It features bright blue lakes, several waterfalls and plenty of mountain vistas. This is a road trip you need to do at least once — here are some things you can see along the way.
How tall is the Haast Pass in Wanaka?
Continue on across the river terraces, alongside Lake Hāwea, and through “the Neck”, a low saddle between Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka – note the 65m difference in lake height! As your journey ventures closer to the Haast Pass, look across Lake Wānaka at pockets of beech forest, alpine mountains and permanent glaciers in the Mt Aspiring National Park.
How long is the drive from Queenstown to Haast?
From Queenstown you can drive the Crown Range, the highest main road in New Zealand, between Queenstown and Wanaka. Either spend a day or two in Wanaka (highly recommended) or head straight for Haast. It should take around three hours to drive between Queenstown and Haast.
