Jet Boating at Haast by Campervan: Wilderness Rivers from the Sea to the Mountains

Quick summary: For campervan travellers on the Haast Pass route, Haast offers some of New Zealand’s most remote jet boating. In this corner of South Westland, rivers run from the snowy peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park through rainforest to the wild Tasman coast, and jet boat trips travel up them from near the sea deep into the wilderness, with rainforest, waterfalls and mountain views along the way. It’s a quieter, nature-focused ride, and an ideal break in the long drive between Wānaka and the glaciers in a campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Where	Rivers around Haast, South Westland
Style	Wilderness trips from the coast into the mountains
Ride length	Typically 1 to 2 hours
From Wānaka	Around 140 km over the Haast Pass
From Fox Glacier	Around 120 km
Tours	Haast jet boat tours

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What makes Haast jet boating different?

The sense of wilderness. Rather than a fast canyon thrill ride, Haast’s jet boat trips travel up remote river valleys, through lowland rainforest of kahikatea and rimu, past waterfalls and towards the mountains, in country where few roads reach. Guides share the area’s history and ecology, and there’s a good chance of spotting native birds. There’s speed and spins too, but the scenery is the star.

When is the best time to ride in an RV trip through Haast?

On the day you arrive at Haast or the morning you leave. Driving the Haast Pass from Wānaka takes most of a morning with stops, so a jet boat trip in the afternoon makes a great end to the day, with a night at Haast before continuing to the glaciers. Book ahead, as trips run on set schedules and the area has few alternatives if a trip is full.

Where are the jet boat bases?

Near Haast township and on the road south towards Jackson Bay, in sight of the coast. Bases have parking suitable for campervans and motorhomes. Check the departure point when you book, as some trips leave from a short drive out of the township.

What else is there to see around Haast?

• The Haast Pass, with the Blue Pools, Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls.
• Ship Creek, with a dune lake walk and a beach walk, to the north.
• Jackson Bay, a remote fishing settlement at the end of the road.
• The coast, with wild beaches and, at times, seals and penguins.

For more on Haast as a stop, see our sister site’s Haast by campervan guide.

Where can you stay?

A holiday park and motels in Haast, and DOC campsites along the pass and coast. Services are limited, so fill up with fuel and food in Wānaka or Fox Glacier. Freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle is limited to the sites Westland District Council or DOC has designated, so check before you stop.

How do you book a ride?

Compare operators, ride lengths and departure times on our Haast jet boat tours page, and book a day or two ahead in busy periods.

Where does the trip go next?

North to Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, or back over the pass to Wānaka for the Clutha River jet boat. See Wānaka and our sister site’s Haast Pass route.

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Frequently Asked Questions