HIKING IN HAAST & THE SOUTHWEST
UNESCO Wilderness. Coast to Alpine.
Haast lies on the edge of Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, one of the most extraordinary wilderness regions in the world. Here you can hike historic backcountry routes like the Haast–Paringa Cattle Track, walk coastal rainforest to Stafford Hut and return by boat, or carry a packraft into Lake Ellery and float back downriver. For those wanting deeper access, heli-hike options open up remote alpine country few ever reach. From ancient forest to wild coastline and glacier-fed valleys, Haast is a truly special place to explore on foot.
What’s Included
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Return transport from Haast to track start and finish
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Experienced local guide
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All meals (2 lunches, dinner, breakfast, trail snacks)
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Pre-trip briefing and gear advice
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Emergency communication equipment
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DOC hut overnight stay coordination
Standard shared DOC hut accommodation (bunk style).
Packages & Pricing
(Per person, minimum numbers apply)
2 Days / 1 Night – $980 per person
Fully guided expedition, all meals included, transport and logistics handled.
Private group departures available on request.
This is not a polished Great Walk. It’s historic, rugged, and quietly spectacular.
If you want to experience the Haast–Paringa Track properly — this is the way to do it.
Book your 2-Day Historic Cattle Track Expedition now.
Historic Haast to Paringa Cattle Track
2-Day Backcountry Expedition
This is a true point-to-point wilderness journey through southern Westland.
The Historic Haast–Paringa Cattle Track winds through dense beech and rimu forest, crosses swing bridges, climbs steadily toward Māori Saddle, and descends through remote valleys shaped by history. Old stone culverts from mica miners, relics of the telegraph line, and untouched rainforest make this one of the most authentic backcountry experiences on the West Coast.
We’ve designed this as a 2-day guided expedition, moving efficiently while still allowing time to enjoy the landscape.
Because the track finishes far from where it begins, doing it independently requires complex vehicle logistics. With us, transport is seamless — we drop you at the start and collect you at the finish, no backtracking required.
You focus on the walk. We handle the rest.
The Experience
Day 1:
Depart Haast and begin from SH6, following the Moeraki River before climbing steadily through native forest toward Māori Saddle Hut. Expect stream crossings, historic features, and beautiful sections of mature beech forest. We stay overnight in a DOC backcountry hut.
Day 2:
Continue across remote sections of the track, descending through valleys toward Coppermine Creek and out to the highway. From there, we transport you back to Haast.
This is rugged, historic West Coast country — remote, rewarding, and real.
What’s Included
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One-way coastal hike to Stafford Hut
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Boat pickup and return to Jackson Bay
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Experienced local guide
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Safety briefing and weather planning
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Emergency communication equipment
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Packed lunch and drinks (day trip)
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Dinner & breakfast included for overnight option
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Standard DOC hut accommodation (shared bunk style).
Packages & Pricing
(Per person, minimum numbers apply)
Day Hike + Boat Return – $450 per person
Guided 4–5 hour hike, packed lunch, boat pickup, and return transfer.
Overnight Hut Experience – $750 per person
Guided hike, hut stay, dinner & breakfast included, boat return next day.
Private group pricing available on request.
Wild rainforest. Rugged coastline. Ocean views from land and sea.
This isn’t just a hike — it’s a full West Coast experience.
Book your Stafford Hut Coastal Adventure now.
Stafford Hut Coastal Adventure
Rainforest Hike & Boat Return Experience
This is one of the most unique day hikes on the West Coast.
A 4–5 hour walk along a rugged stretch of coastline, weaving through wild native rainforest, open coastal sections, and dramatic landscapes that feel untouched and raw. Towering bush. Birdsong overhead. The Tasman Sea crashing below.
The track leads to Stafford Hut — a classic backcountry DOC hut tucked into the wilderness.
And because this is not a loop track, we make it even better.
Instead of retracing your steps, we pick you up by boat and bring you back along the coastline to Jackson Bay. Sit back and take in breathtaking views of cliffs, forest, and open ocean from the water — a completely different perspective of the same wild country.
Hike one way. Cruise back. Same day.
Make It an Overnight
Want the full backcountry experience?
Stay the night at Stafford Hut for a more authentic New Zealand adventure. Cook dinner, watch the light fade over the coast, and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We’ll return the next day by boat to bring you back to Jackson Bay.
Simple. Raw. Memorable.
What’s Included
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Experienced local guide
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Packraft, paddle, and safety gear
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Safety briefing and instruction (beginner friendly)
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One-hour guided rainforest hike
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Lakeside picnic lunch
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Emergency communication equipment
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Transport to and from the starting point if required
Packages & Pricing
(Per person, minimum numbers apply)
Full Day Packraft Adventure – $420 per person
Guided hike, packraft exploration of Lake Ellery, river float return, and picnic included.
Private group pricing available on request.
Rainforest. Calm water. Easy floating.
If you want a relaxed but unique West Coast experience — this is it.
Book your Lake Ellery Packraft Adventure now.
Lake Ellery Packraft Adventure
Rainforest Hike. Alpine Lake. Easy River Float.
This is one of Haast’s hidden gems.
We shoulder lightweight packrafts and hike for about an hour along the Ellery River, moving through lush West Coast rainforest toward the still waters of Lake Ellery. The trail itself feels untouched — dense native bush, moss-covered trees, birds calling overhead.
Then the lake opens up.
Crystal-clear water surrounded by forest and mountain backdrops. We stop for a picnic in a stunning lakeside location before inflating the packrafts and pushing off to explore.
Lake Ellery is incredibly beginner-friendly. It’s sheltered, calm, and almost always free from chop or swell — perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a relaxed paddle. Keep an eye out for deer along the shoreline and native birdlife in the trees.
Once we’ve explored the lake, we float gently down the Ellery River back toward the starting point. The river is easy and scenic — no rapids, just light navigation around logs and overhanging trees. Smooth, peaceful, and fun.
Hike in. Paddle out. Full circle adventure.