Haast Pass / Tioripatea

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Haast Pass / Tioripatea

Pass

Haast Pass / Tioripatea is a low mountain pass in the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island, forming the boundary between the West Coast Region and Otago. Travelers come for the scenic State Highway 6 drive, short rainforest walks and access to Mount Aspiring National Park.

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Haast Pass / Tioripatea essentials

Address: Haast Pass, West Coast Region / Otago, New Zealand

Haast Pass / Tioripatea sits in the Southern Alps within the limits of Mount Aspiring National Park and rises to a modest saddle height of 562 metres above sea level. The pass was used by Ngāi Tahu in pre-European times and later named for 19th-century explorer Julius von Haast; its official name now recognizes both names following the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.

State Highway 6 crosses the Main Divide at the pass, making it one of only a few road crossings of the Southern Alps. The road through the pass was progressively formed during the 20th century and the highway connection along the coast was completed in the 1960s. There are no settlements on the road between the townships of Haast and Makarora.

The route passes predominantly unmodified beech forest and provides easy access to several notable waterfalls and short rainforest walks. Typical visits are brief stops en route rather than long-stay destinations, and services are limited, so plan fuel and provisions in the nearest towns.

  • Gates of Haast: A dramatic gorge on the Haast River with rocky walls and strong river flow that is visible from the highway and several short viewpoints.
  • Thunder Creek Falls: An accessible, high-drop waterfall reached via a short boardwalk through beech forest close to the highway.
  • Roaring Billy Falls: A tucked-away cascade set beside the road with a brief forest walk from the parking area.
  • Fantail Falls: A picturesque waterfall reached by a short, easy rainforest track that is popular for quick photo stops.
  • Summit saddle viewpoint: The low alpine saddle gives sweeping views across the Haast and Makarora valleys and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Haast Pass / Tioripatea#

The pass is accessible year-round but conditions vary; late spring to early autumn gives the most reliably mild weather while winter brings colder, potentially icy conditions. Heavy rain can occur in any season, so check forecasts.

Summer (busiest)
December - February · 7°C - 19°C (45°F - 66°F)
Longest daylight and the mildest conditions for driving and short walks, though rain is still possible and popular viewpoints can be busier.
Autumn (good photography light)
March - May · 1°C - 17°C (34°F - 63°F)
Cooler, crisper days and often clear light for mountain photography with fewer visitors than high summer.
Winter (variable access)
June - August · -2°C - 7°C (28°F - 45°F)
Colder weather increases the chance of snow, ice and slippery surfaces on roads and tracks, so allow extra time and check road reports.

Weather & Climate near Haast Pass / Tioripatea#

Climate

Haast Pass / Tioripatea's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (3863 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 8° - 19° 14° 411 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.9h
February Acceptable 8° - 19° 14° 268 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.2 m/s 1.9 very high 13.7h
March Acceptable 7° - 17° 12° 295 mm partly cloudy 87% 3.5 m/s 1.2 high 12.2h
April Acceptable 4° - 13° 6° 196 mm partly cloudy 89% 4.3 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
May Poor 1° - 9° 2° 287 mm partly cloudy 93% 4.4 m/s 0.2 low 9.4h
June Poor -2° - 6° -2° 134 mm partly cloudy 94% 3.8 m/s 0.1 low 8.7h
July Poor -2° - 5° -2° 308 mm partly cloudy 94% 3.3 m/s 0.1 low 9.0h
August Poor -1° - 7° 0° 341 mm partly cloudy 92% 4.0 m/s 0.3 low 10.2h
September Poor 1° - 10° 2° 436 mm partly cloudy 89% 5.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.6h
October Poor 4° - 13° 5° 470 mm overcast 86% 5.3 m/s 1.1 high 13.2h
November Acceptable 5° - 15° 8° 346 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.8 m/s 1.8 very high 14.6h
December Acceptable 7° - 17° 12° 371 mm overcast 83% 3.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 15.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Haast Pass / Tioripatea#

The pass sits between the small communities of Haast on the West Coast and Makarora (near Wānaka) on the Otago side and is traversed by State Highway 6. Large regional centers with airports and more services include Wānaka and Queenstown to the east and coastal towns to the north and south.

There is no rail link across the Southern Alps at the pass; the route is reached by car, campervan or scheduled coach services on SH6, with the final stretch along winding mountain road and short walks to waterfalls and viewpoints - check current road conditions and local transport options before travel.

Tips for Visiting Haast Pass / Tioripatea#

  • Check road and weather reports before you set out - slips and closures can occur after heavy rain.
  • Fuel, food and accommodation options are limited between Haast and Makarora so top up supplies in the nearest towns.
  • Most highlights are short walks from the highway; bring a raincoat and sturdy shoes for muddy tracks.
  • Mobile phone coverage is patchy in the pass; download maps and emergency contacts in advance.