Here is how we think you should spend your day in Haast:

Wake up to a beautiful breakfast at Heartland Hotel Haast. The Frontier Cafe & Bar located at the Hotel is known to produce hearty meals to get you ready for the day,

When you’ve finished with breakfast get ready to head out down to the bridge over the river. Here you will be met by the Haast River Safari’s team, jump on board the weather proofed jet boat and get on with your own River Safari! This trip is fantastic as the team know so much about the local area including the history and interesting general information. Definitely worth taking your camera, as at certain points you are able to get off the boat and take in the beautiful scenery further inland.

The trip takes a couple of hours so when you get back you are bound to be hungry! You’ll be able to enjoy lunch at the Frontier Cafe & Bar – definitely try a dish with whitebait – its a local delicacy!

Once you have enjoyed lunch its time to head to The Haast Heli Company for a once in a lifetime flight over the Hanging Lakes and even a mountain landing. You’ve seen Haast from the ground now it’s time to view it from the sky – it’s unlikely you will see mountains and countryside like this anywhere else in New Zealand.

Once you land and recover from the beauty of the South Westland World Heritage Area you’ll be able to head back to the hotel for a rest and a catch up with the locals at hotel bar which is also frequented by residents in the area. You may be lucky enough to get an invite to go fishing or white baiting! If you’re hungry bar snacks are available or you’ll be able to try some more local fare at the Frontier Cafe & Bar.

Visiting Haast should be on your bucket list – its beauty is indescribable!