Haast Pass

NZ · New Zealand

Highest

577 m

Lowest

359 m

Climb

15 m

Descent

232 m

Start to end

577 → 362 m

Steepest

12.8%

The twistiest stretch of State Highway 6 over Haast Pass, climbing from Makarora toward the summit before the descent to the West Coast.

SeasonNovember to April

A long crossing rather than a short thrill. The road climbs gently to the pass, then follows the Haast River through bush and gorges with waterfalls close to the road.

There are a few single-lane bridges on the way, and fuel is thin, so top up in Wānaka or Haast and treat the stations in between as a bonus.

Rain on the West Coast side is heavy and the road can be slow in the wet. Expect sandflies at any stop.

More on this road: The best motorcycle roads in New Zealand's South Island

Rides that use it

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