Day 17 – Wednesday: Wanaka to Hokitika via Haast Pass
Today’s journey took us from the charming lakeside town of Wanaka across the scenic Haast Pass to the rugged West Coast town of Hokitika. It was a long drive of nearly 450 kilometers, but full of natural wonders along the way.
Exploring Mount Aspiring National Park and the Blue Pools
After breakfast, our first stop was the Blue Pools in Mount Aspiring National Park. These pools are famous for their crystal-clear, turquoise waters fed by glacial streams from the Southern Alps. A short walk through lush, rainforest-like vegetation led us to a suspension bridge overlooking the pools. Unfortunately, the weather was far from ideal—steady rain and low clouds muted the vibrant colors. Still, the water’s blue-green hue was striking even under gray skies. On a sunny day, the pools must look absolutely spectacular! True to the saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,” we embraced the conditions and enjoyed the experience.
Crossing the Scenic Haast Pass
From there, we continued toward the coast via the Haast Pass, one of only three routes crossing the Southern Alps. This mountain pass is renowned for its dramatic scenery—towering peaks, dense rainforest, and countless waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. Sadly, the rain persisted, and mist obscured much of the view, but the raw beauty of the landscape was still evident.
Reaching Haast, we turned north along the West Coast, passing by the legendary Fox Glacier. This glacier is one of the few in the world that descends into temperate rainforest, creating a unique and surreal environment. Unfortunately, visibility was poor, and we couldn’t fully appreciate the surrounding mountains, but knowing the glacier was just beyond the clouds added a sense of mystery to the drive.
Arriving in Hokitika – A Historic West Coast Town
Our final destination for the day was Hokitika, a historic gold rush town that now thrives as a hub for arts and crafts, especially greenstone (pounamu) carving. Hokitika sits right on the wild West Coast, offering stunning sunsets over the Tasman Sea when the weather cooperates. After a long day on the road, we were happy to arrive and relax in this charming coastal town.
Despite the rain and limited views, today’s route showcased the incredible diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes—from alpine valleys to lush rainforests and rugged coastlines. Tomorrow, we look forward to exploring more of the West Coast!
