Haast Pass is a beautiful alpine scenic road in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
139 km
569 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's South Island on State Highway 6, also known as the Haast Pass-Makarora Road. This alpine scenic route is seriously stunning! You'll be driving between Wanaka, a cool resort town, and Haast, a smaller village, on a fully paved road that stretches for 139 km (86 miles).
This route cuts through the Southern Alps, reaching a height of 569m (1,866ft). It winds along the boundary between the West Coast and Otago regions. It’s got some history too, once being a traditional Maori pathway.
Now, this isn't a boring highway drive. Expect a challenging road with countless curves and bends. Keep an eye out for one-lane bridges (heavy vehicles, take note of the speed limit!) and watch out for potential slips.
But, oh man, the scenery! You're driving through Mount Aspiring National Park, so expect incredible views. Give yourself at least 2 hours without stops to soak it all in. You'll be treated to rainforests, wetlands, lakes, and glacier-fed rivers. Just be aware that heavy snow or ice can sometimes close the pass temporarily, so check conditions before you go. Seriously, this drive is epic.
Where is it?
Haast Pass is a beautiful alpine scenic road in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.5938, 174.6744
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 139 km
- Max Elevation
- 569 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -41.5938, 174.6744
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