This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We were so lucky to have the opportunity to e-bike and hike towards the Fox Glacier with two incredible guides giving us an unforgettable and humbling experience with mother nature at her best. Billy and Jake were amazing guides and this experience will always be something I will cherish forever. ❤️

Our morning helihike was cancelled due to poor weather but they were able to reschedule us for the same afternoon when the rain cleared. What a surreal experience 🥹❄️ surrounded by deep blue crevasses and endless peaks, our guide Jake worked tirelessly to carve a way through the ice 🧊 for us. What an absolute legend. Sadly, it’s unlikely Fox Glacier will survive its current form for future generations due to warming temperatures so knowing the glacier is retreating makes this even more special for us. A rare moment in time we will never forget.

This was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, let alone in my trip to NZ! The preparation and safety briefing beforehand was thorough and professional. The helicopter ride was amazing. Then we got to spend around three hours on the glacier, hiking around, climbing up and down carved ice steps, drank glacier water straight from the source, and squeezed and slid through an ice cave. Massive thanks to our awesome guide, Serena. This was truly unforgettable and worth every penny!

Really a must try activity in NZ though it’s kinda expensive. But for the helicopter ride and 3 hours of hiking on the glacier, I would say it’s worth it. I feel safe throughout the activity and they provide good and ample attire and equipments to ensure you are safe and dry. The guides and the service staffs at the check in are all very professional and friendly.

We had an amazing glacier hike with our guide Keely! She was professional, super friendly, and made the experience unforgettable. We felt safe, learned a lot, and had so much fun. Highly recommend!

My experience was a dream. The check-in person was very clear with all the information, also the briefing pre-flight has all the needed info. The gear is very good quality. The helicopter flight is short but so much fun. Our guide was so professional and nice. He actually made sure that everyone was wearing all the gear correctly and made sure to clearly explain how to use everything. If he saw somebody struggling on the hike, he made sure to give quick tips to make their hike more comfortable (How to walk, how to properly use the walking poles...) I felt super safe at all times. I actually got worried when we arrived to the glacier because I thought the hike was going to be too hard for me but it was actually very nice. Even though we went up higher than usual (I had a very small group) I was so ready to keep going! I loved that there was no rush, they gave you enough time to take pictures and enjoy the view, but they also made sure to keep us on track so we could enjoy as much as possible. He took us to cool little ice caves and gave us a lot of fun facts. We were joined by a sherpa that has been there for 20 years who helped us go trough the toughest parts of the path. I think this was my favorite think I did in my 3 week trip to NZ.

As a wheelchair user, I was blown away to find out there was not only a way to get up on a glacier, but to actually get out on the glacier and explore. Everyone at Fox was amazing in facilitating my accessible adventure. I genuinely sensed that they were as excited as I was to be able to make this a reality. I felt safe the whole time and had an unforgettable three hours on the glacier. Heitor and Fiona and everyone else were delightful. I highly recommend it. #accessible

The Lake Matheson walk is an absolutely breathtaking experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. This 6.5 km round trip took us about 2 hours to complete, including time to soak in the stunning viewpoints. The trail itself is well-maintained, winding through lush native forest with towering trees and ferns that create a serene, almost magical atmosphere. The highlight, without a doubt, is the reflection lake and the iconic viewpoint. On a calm day, the still waters perfectly mirror the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, including the majestic Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, offering a postcard-worthy scene that left us speechless. The overcast sky added a dramatic touch to the landscape, enhancing the reflective quality of the lake. The gradual incline and flat sections make it manageable for most fitness levels, though sturdy shoes are a plus given the gravel paths and occasional muddy spots. Whether you're a nature lover or just after that perfect photo, this walk delivers. A truly brilliant way to connect with New Zealand's natural beauty!

We didn’t manage to catch the famous mirror reflection at Lake Matheson, but it was still such a beautiful experience. The walk itself is peaceful and full of natural beauty, and even on a cloudy day the views are worth every step. There are several great spots for photos along the track, and the café and gift shop at the start are a nice bonus. A few stairs along the way, but nothing too difficult. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the Fox Glacier area!

I visited Lake Matheson on a prefect sunny day 🌞,and the whole experience was breathtaking. The weather was clear and the hight light the reflection on the lake were absolutely stunning just like in the postcard i felt overwhelmed by the beaty of nature ✨️ all around me, the walking track is well maintained and easy to follow it took proximately 1.5 hrs to complete at relaxed absolutely love it ❤️recommended

Really nice walk even on a cloudy day. You need clear skies too see the mountains though. Kea were lurking on the roof of the cafe causing trouble.

Comfortable walk with a great view, a full round takes 1 hour, there are areas with benches with lake view, great for a quick snack and rest

Do time your visit to get clear reflection from the lake. Walking track varies on which options you choose. Going right till the end requires longer hours. And if you have a few more stops to make on your day plan, I suggest the first look-out should give you the picture.

The Lake Matheson path is superbly maintained and a pleasure to walk. There is ample parking at the trailhead, and the route itself is beautifully laid out, winding through forests of tree ferns before opening to the lake’s mirrored views. The paths are in excellent condition throughout, with clear and consistent signage. The posted walking times seem geared toward those taking a very leisurely pace, but the terrain is easy and well graded. Benches are thoughtfully placed at the top of each incline, exactly where you would want them. It is one of those walks where every practical detail has been quietly and expertly considered.

We were so lucky to have a snow fall in October so we could enjoy having fun in the patches around. Visited the café and the visitors centre

“Mount Cook is beautiful in every way. The drive there is so good with amazing views all around. Snowy mountains, fresh air, and peaceful nature make it feel like heaven. A perfect place to relax and enjoy.”

The trip and hiking to Aoraki / Mt. Cook has been really interesting. The natural beauty and views of the natural environment there has been vibrant and amazing, the glacier there had dated to be thousands plus years old. Temperature drops significantly as you further hike up the altitudes. One of the most visitors and tourist attractive geographical feature in South Island, New Zealand.😍😊

Very nice view. 1st we went at evening and because it bevome sark early, then we come back next day. My kids very happy to play with snow

Loved going up there it's a good change of scenery away from city life

A beautiful outdoor hiking experience. The mountain views,river valleys and trails are absolutely worth the trip.

Lovely place. I went here with a tour. Hoping that I’ll visit the place again and do some camping!

Visited Hooker Valley in September 2025, and it was one of the most stunning walks we’ve ever done in New Zealand! The trail is well-marked, flat and accessible, making it perfect for all ages. Along the way, we crossed three beautiful suspension bridges, each offering unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The scenery is constantly changing, from braided glacial rivers and tussock-filled valleys to snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The highlight of the walk is Hooker Lake itself, with its turquoise waters and icebergs floating gently on the surface. The view of Mount Cook reflecting on the lake was breathtaking — truly a picture-perfect moment. Even though it was early spring, the air was crisp and refreshing, and there were still patches of snow that added to the dramatic landscape. We spent time at the lake, taking photos and enjoying the peacefulness of the area. The trail is about 10 km return but it feels easy thanks to the well-maintained path and gentle terrain. Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone visiting Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It’s accessible, scenic and offers some of the best alpine views in New Zealand. Highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers alike!

Hooker Valley Track – Absolutely Breathtaking! We were blessed with great weather — clear skies but a bit chilly, which made the walk refreshing! Only the first bridge was open during our visit, so it was a shorter trail (about 15 minutes each way, 30 minutes total), but still totally worth it. The view was absolutely breathtaking — snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear water, and that stunning Mt Cook backdrop. Even with the limited access, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone heading to the area. ❄️✨

Good place to trek. Exceeded my expectations. It was a lovely sunny day when I went and I had a good enjoyable exercise day. 2 of the bridges were still closed but it's still worth going. Not difficult to walk. I saw people with wheelchairs along the way. Highly recommended.

Hike was done in early Oct , 2nd swing bridge is closed so we didnt find the terrain too difficult. Very scenic. Great weather on the day we hiked so all was good. Highly recommended.

Stunning scenarios and views. Would reccomend to go on a hike here. We came during spring, the weather was good, there wasn't much of a crowd and the air was fresh and clean. The hiking trails are decent, safe, and can be easily spotted so its really hard to get loss.

This world-famous track is all over social media on a blue-sky day, but honestly, it’s just as stunning when the weather turns moody — cloudy or light rain gives the whole valley a dramatic, almost mystical vibe. Of course, if it’s pouring down or snowing heavily, it’s better to stay away for safety reasons. And on a foggy day, visibility gets so low that walking into the valley kind of defeats the purpose. The track itself is medium-level at most. With some basic gear you can easily finish it. Still, whether it’s summer or winter, make sure you bring proper layers and rain protection — the weather in the valley isn’t exactly four-seasons-in-one-day, but it can be as unpredictable as someone in love. The swing bridges, the glacier lake and the Hooker River are absolute highlights — not that you can miss them anyway. If you’re lucky, you might catch a full view of Aoraki / Mt Cook, but most of the time the summit hides behind the clouds. And if you ever get to witness the golden glow on the peak at sunrise or sunset, that’s pure magic — a real blessing. Trust me, unless the track is closed or visibility is dangerously low, spending around four hours here is worth it at any time.

it was a bit crowded when we visited in the beginning of march, but we were lucky to get a parking slot 😅 the way leads you through the stunning scenery of the mountains along the amazing glacier river until the lake - no steep part, it goes up and down in a really easy way and is mostly flat... also some boardwalk parts and three swing bridges to cross the river 😍🥰 definitely a must-do👍🏻✨️

Been planning this visit for 2 years now. Finally got the chance to go but unfortunately the Hooker Valley Track has been closed from the first bridge onwards. It is set to open Autumn 2026. So hopefully we make it for that next year. Otherwise, everything was so stunning. Seeing Mt.Cook right in front of me made me feel some sort of emotion- i cannot describe . I will definitely be going again in the winter.

If you are in New Zealand and you didn’t visit Mount Aoraki then it is a bog miss, not fulfilled of your trip. It is a mind blowing view from any place, the road trip is awesome and refreshing journey. The picture you will be taken will not present how beautiful the serenity is. Just be there, spend some time, be quiet, make your own way, stop somewhere and breathe.

Wonderful, soring mountains, glacier and native bush walks. Can be busy, but tracks are well built for the numbers. Take your time to soak or all in. DOC information centre worth a visit for informative display.

The Aoraki/Mt Cook NP Visitors Center is one of the best I have ever explored. I have a particular interest in exploration, trekking, and history of those activities. If you do too, it is well worth an hour or so of your time. Mt Cook has been a proving ground for great mountaineers and the center documents many of those who passed through. The presentations on rescues was fascinating too. It was also the first I've seen that gives props to the first women explorers. First females, essentially climbing in dresses, had great stories.

This tourist center is worth a visit for everyone. It showcases the history, development and construction process of Mt. Cook, as well as the protection of the mountain's environment and wildlife.

While we were watching the movie (which is very interesting!), we essentially got kicked out of the building at 11:30AM by the tenant, because it’s here lunch hour!!!! So my understanding is that no matter how many people are in there (we must have been about 20 or more, the parking is full), she emptied the building so she can have here lunch. I’m fine with people taking a break, don’t get me wrong, but isn’t there a better way to treat visitors who drove hours to get there? This is an internationally famous area, with loads of visitors year round! While the video explains how proud the Kiwis are about Aoraki Mount Cook, a Kiwi kicked if out of the visitor center! Now, this being said, if you can get in when it’s open, it’s beautiful in there, great book shop and exhibitions. But here we are in the car, watching groups after groups get turned around at the door!!

Free visitor center with loads of information on Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier. We were planning on visiting the famed Hooker Valley trail but its closed again. This visitor center will keep you occupied for at least 15 mins if you are keen on history and geography. Highly recommend!

Really loved this boat ride/tour. Good boats, seemed pretty new. Terrific guide/boat driver he was very good really, gave us heaps of info and drove the boat well. Sorry I have forgotten his name I think he was American. Saw lots of ice bergs in the lake and even touched them. Definitely do this if you go to Mt Cook

Unforgettable Adventure on Ice! The Glacier Explorer tour was an incredible experience! Cruising among icebergs on the Tasman Lake, right next to the glacier face, was surreal. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making it fun and educational. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close to a glacier – absolutely worth it!

Well organised and significant care factor throughout, we initially had to cancel due to poor weather and were put in a wait list, they had a cancellation on a following day and we were called straight away. Ben was an excellent guide and shared lots of interesting facts and made the tour. Icebergs and scenery were amazing, highly recommend to anyone visiting for a unique experience.

Worth a visit Need to hike before reaching the boarding point and hike back after that Need to leave the bags then wear safety vest. Safety briefing on the boat. Informative and educational tour about the glaciers. Get to go up close and also taste the glaciers Our guide was awesome, he would rotate the boat to ensure everyone had good views, also helped us to take photos Windy and cooling when boat is speeding.

Ben our guide was top notch. Super knowledgeable and funny. Didn’t want the experience to end. 5 stars! - from your Scotland crew 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Great experience it's a must do if your in the area, bit of a hike from the car park to the boats.

They cancelled our tour 15 minutes before the scheduled start so driving 2.5 hours here was unfortunate. Understand that the weather is not in their control but still frustrating. Refund want a issue but a bit 'oh well' otherwise. Yes, spectacular views abound, so the place is probably worth a visit regardless.

The museum is dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary while he was in Aoraki training in preparation for his ascent on Everest. It also has the 1st glacier landing plane located there. Awesome 👌

This is attached to the hermitage hotel it has a large shop selling hiking gear but quite expensive it has very few general items. The cafe on the first floor is welcome after the hiking but can get very crowded when the tours return. There is a small museum

My wife is really interested in Sir Edmund Hillary and we were really interested in visiting the museum. Don't bother. Most of the museum talks above the alpine centre and area itself. Yes, I find that somewhat interesting, but paying $25 per adult I thought I'd get more. Get a free month on Netflix and watch some documentaries instead.

Save yourself $25 and just don't bother with this. Vaguely interesting yes but at the end of the day it is poorly presented and isn't much more than a small collection of books and photos. So much more could be done to present the story of this man in an amazing way. Until then save yourself the money

We were only visitors for a short stay. Haven't made good use of this centre. You can get information here and can also buy supplies for the climbing the snow mountains. There' s also a museum and movie to watch. It's a pity that we didn't have time to enjoy all these. Hope I can stay a few days here next time when I came.

A great perspective o the history of the nz Alps and sir Edmund Hilary.

Tourist trap. You spend there 20 minutes for $25. Mount Cook National Park visitor centre nearby is much better and free.

Booked thr GYG. Thanks helicopter line for the awesome experience on the Heli Hike on 24th Sept 11am (really thankful for the good weather too). We had 2 guides with us and they were both very informative and caring. Appreciate the smooth heli ride too.

Kia ora, Thanks for your arrangement that I DO enjoyed the activity. I never see such magnificent views , that is more than awesome. Emma from Alpine Guides is really a thoughtful and professional instructor,Scott and Andy are also with kindness to inspire me up, that did release me from nervous mode. I hope we can meet up again. Sincerely, Helen

Honestly, the experience itself was decent, but the reason I’m rating three stars is I can’t help but feel like this was a bit of a tourist trap… and I left feeling slightly cheated. For about $1000 per person you get taken on a very short helicopter ride to do a 100m “hike” on Tasman Glacier. The hike isn’t really a hike, more a very short walk to two “caves” in the glacier. One of the caves was completely man made with pickaxes - which isn’t what this company advertises. The ice caves themselves look NOTHING like they do in the photos on the website - in reality they are very small and barely enough for one person. They’re not even really “caves” at all, more like just small holes in the ice that the guides carve out seats in If this experience were half the price it was I would still say it was overpriced. You are not going to get the grand meters tall ice walls they show you in the brochure Our guides on the other hand were great, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic - which is the reason I did not give two stars. If you’re debating doing this trip because of the high price, I’d say skip it and save your money - there’s so much other great stuff to spend your money on in the South Island Also, guys, for $1000 it would be nice if you supplied boots in all sizes - I had to wear boots that were nearly two sizes too big. What are we doing here?

Simply amazing glacial walk experience with the best guide one would ever wish for - Narly. He seems to be a bit of a local legend having been up Mt Cook 45 times and even Everest! Extremely insightful experience which shows the real dynamic nature of glaciers.

Had a great flight of 55minutes. Sam was a very friendly pilot, he could tell us a lot about what we were seeing and the entire flight went super smooth. There was almost no wind so he joked it was quite easy to give us this wonderful flight but still I think he was very experienced and I felt absolutely safe.

Our guide, Carey, was amazing and watches over our safety really closely. He’s very engaging and made all of our comfortable from the beginning. High recommend this tour to view the tasman glacier as you’ll be in good hands.

Went helihiking with Brian. Great hike, easy and interesting. Brian really knows his stuff. Made the walk back to Glenntanner an incredible experience.

A great walk through a forest to a secluded beach which is a breeding ground for penguins. Unfortunately we didn't see any penguins on our visit, but the walk and the beach were worth it in any case. It took approx 1h 20m for a walk out and back again, with a few minutes spent at the beach. It was doable in trainers, and was mostly flat with an even walking surface.

Fantastic place and a nice path ( 1h45 min return) to reach it, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible to see any penguins. Parking is available at the beginning of the trail.

The walk is lovely. Bring long sleeves for the sand flies. It took us 20 minutes to see one penguin travel from the hillside to the ocean.

Not a fantastic beach unless you like sandflies or you're fortunately enough to be there when the penguins are not out at sea, but worth visiting for the amazing trek along the rainforest path that leads to the beach, including the bouncy bridge! Allow 45 minutes each way for the walk.

This hidden beach, nestled beyond a 40-minute walk through a local jungle, offers a unique and secluded escape from the typical tourist spots. The journey itself adds an adventurous touch, making the arrival at the beach even more rewarding. What sets this destination apart is the rare opportunity to witness penguins, creating a magical experience, especially until early December. If you're seeking tranquility, a touch of adventure, and the chance to marvel at nature's wonders, this off-the-beaten-path beach is a hidden gem worth exploring.

I had an amazing experience on the best hike imaginable, through lush jungle leading to a stunning beach. Be sure to bring some spray to fend off the sand flies. With a bit of luck, you might even spot penguins! The trail was easy to navigate, taking only 1.5 hours round trip. Restroom facilities available at the parking area.

A must do activity if you travel Haast - Fox Glacier or visa versa. The walk through the magic forest is very pleasant and you might spot special birds. The beach is beautiful with spectacular rocks and some months (July- November) you can see pinguïns.

We stopped here on our way to Wanaka as a means to stretch our legs & to have a light snack which we had carried with us. Toilets are available. One could get stunning views of Tasman sea. There are few parking spaces also making it an ideal stop for travelers who have been driving for long.

A good account of the road opening of the West Coast and Otago region back in 1965. The views and atmosphere are panoramic looking down the Coast and upwards towards the mountains. Call in and check out the views and history 👌.

Excellent viewpoint and no sand flies anywhere near you! Also has a toilet which is nice. Would recommend going at sunrise/sunset.

Besides having an awesume view,Knights Point Lookout has wifi coverage and public toilets. We had to return to Knights Point Lookout to get wifi and mobile coverage to make an important phone call to family from a freedom camp we had stayed the night before. Both times to Knights Point were welcomed.

Beautiful lookout worth the stop on the way to Haast, but don't use the public toilets they are aweful.

I went on a very windy and rainy day. So not much of a view. But it was beautiful

If you are using Apple Map to come to this place…. don’t! Took us in a long way in to nowhere on unpaved off-road path. Waze map is fine & accurate. This place is also a toilet break stop with extremely dirty toilet & strong unpleasant smell. View isn’t that beautiful… my personal opinion.

Beautiful Lookout, nice walkway at the beach. But better bathe yourself in insect repellent before exiting your car. We got so many bites in the first ten minutes it took us to apply the insect repellent. So many sand flies.

This is a beautiful area with different biomes, beach and swamp ecosystems next to each other. There are little loops for trails and walking on the beach is very nice. There is a lookout tower up a ladder/stairs to see the area. Parking is tight depending on when you go so you may need to get creative, but there is room for RVs.

Great rest area with stunning view of high waves.small track for beach. good parking place with public toilets. There is a small hut where you can see the all view of beach form high.

Nice beach. Cool rock foundations. Small inlet to stream. Pebbles/ rocks. Sadflies. But if you don't disturb the driftwood that shouldn't affect you.

Splendid place for a short walk. There are public toilets with a sink and several spots for parking. Beautiful wooden lookout tower and 2 tracks. Dune lake walk goes to a two other viewpoints and beach, though the forrest and Swamp track goes under the bridge through series of wooden bridges and sidewalks. Very calm and full of bird wildlife.

Beautiful rough beach with interesting information panels, very windy but that just added to the experience. I was here in the beginning of September and there was maybe 1 other person, so it was not crowded at all and very peaceful.

Good place next to the road to get some walking done and ocean air.

The trip on the river was very smooth. The jet boats were enclosed, as not to get wet. While doing spins.

This is a quick roadside detour, a place to relax after a long drive between Fox Glacier & Wanaka. The water flows down from very great height and a river flows by. When we went the water in the river was very narrow & we were able to walk over the stones in the riverbed. Ample parking spaces are available.

Shortest hike from the carpark to a scenic spot ever! That said, the views are very worthwhile - you can really get up close with the stream which the waterfall flows into, which makes for a great photo op! Definitely one not to be missed when passing by on the highway!

Thunder Creek Falls is absolutely stunning, one of the beautiful and accessible waterfalls I’ve visited in New Zealand! Located along Haast Pass, it’s an easy 2–3 minute walk from the carpark through a short, well-maintained forest trail. As soon as you reach the viewing platform, you’re greeted by a breathtaking 28-meter-high waterfall cascading straight into a river surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the water crashing down is so calming. It’s also one of those rare spots where you don’t need to hike far to see something so dramatic, perfect for families, road trippers or anyone looking for a quick yet memorable stop. Parking is limited but it’s usually not crowded if you go early or during off-peak hours. Definitely bring your camera, the scenery is postcard-perfect from every angle. A must-visit stop if you’re traveling between Wanaka and the West Coast. Thunder Creek Falls truly captures the raw, untouched beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. Highly recommended!

“A Hidden Gem!” Absolutely beautiful little waterfall nestled in a serene and green woodland. Just a 3-minute easy walk from the car park—very convenient for all ages. The trail is simple and well-kept, and the gentle sounds of water and nature make it a perfect place to relax. Great for a quick visit, photos, or a peaceful moment. Highly recommended!

This is a stunning falls, super close to the road with roadside parking and a very short walk through a stunning forest to get to the rocks. Well worth a visit.

Perfect stop for a quick glance at the waterfall. I didn't stay long because of the rain. The track is just about 5 mins stroll.

Car parking by the roadside & easy walk in. 10-15 minutes walk. Beautiful view but not spectacular… worth a stopover.

For many the Haast Pass is the scenic drive from Wanaka to the glaciers, with a stop at the Blue Pools. But if you do a little research you will see the drive is filled with fantastic sites, provided you’re prepared to stop often, and take a short walk. In order, on the drive up from Haast, make sure you check out Depot Creek falls (20 mins from Haast on the right, 200 walk metres walk), Roaring Billy Falls (23 mins from Haast on the left, signposted with car park, 15 mins walk on a flat track, but the rainforest scenery along the way is superb), Thunder Creek Falls (40 mins from Haast on the left, 5 mins walk to the right of the car park), Fantail Falls (45 mins from Haast on the right, 2 mins walk from the carpark). And finally, the Blue Pools, which has heaps of parking, but is also popular with bus tours and day trippers from Wanaka and Queenstown. This is about a 40 minute walk each way. There’s also plenty of places to pull over and admire the scenery, the bridges, river etc. There are no shops or cafes between Haast and Makaroa, so stock up.

I love this drive, love the waterfalls, forest and the road is good!

This is an absolutely amazing drive and don't forget to stop here just on the way into Fox Glacier from Wanaka. The Haast Pass is amazing with so many photo opportunities and waterfalls 👌👌

Wonderful photos

Definitely with a stop at some waterfalls and the breathtaking view over the bridge.

Stunning place with great views all the way. The scenery is constantly changing and no matter where you look you will get breathtaking views of snow capped mountains to massive forests and roaring rivers. there is so many differnt places to stop along the way especially along the haast river where there is so many waterfalls including the thunder creek and fantail falls. another stop is the blue pools which are great for swimming. Both sides of the drive have great final destinations whether it be the seaside town of haast with massive waves and great seafood or the great place of wanaka with skiing and lots of other stuff.

Mountain scenery, rain forest, tree ferns a water fall and cicadas. Don't miss if you are touring South Island. The only services are at Haast or just north of Lake Wanaka at makarora. There is a rest area and campsite about half way with drinking water and toilets. Apart from that this is unspoilt countryside.

Museum is great and well worth the visit. However the gardens and water features in particular are in a state of disrepair. A bit sad looking as you walk past it to get to the museum. Hope they can fix water features soon. Used to be a great place to stop for lunch or a break before crossing the HAAST river

From the outside, the building and carpark appear large and impressive, but up close, the entrance feels a bit tired and unkempt. There seems to have once been a water feature surrounding the front of the building, which is now dried up—it’s a little sad, as you can imagine how beautiful it must have looked when it was functioning. Inside, the space isn’t as grand as the exterior suggests, but it’s clean and practical. The staff are friendly and helpful, offering good traveller information and clean restrooms. There’s also a small retail area where you can buy items like t-shirts, bags, and sandfly repellent, along with some informative material about the sandflies, wildlife in Haast and the wider South Island region.

Stopped here on our way to Franz Joseph, found lots of helpful information about local hikes, clean bathrooms, and a neat local museum. Perfect pit stop and near good food options.

The visitor center is very good. So much information about the Haast area, great displays, photos and some gift ware for sale.

A bit of a rare gem I think. Stopped in for a quick look about 4pm and could have spent a while wandering through the exhibitions but for closing time at 4.30pm. Helpful staff greeted and farewelled us, and the exhibitions and displays were interesting on top of the usual maps and guides available. Definitely worth a look if you are in the area.

Must Do. Worth stopping in to get all the info needed on the area. Very helpful/friendly staff. Landscaping around building a must-see. Short Wet-lands walk lovely.

Lovely visitor center with a great set of displays talking about the history and ecology of the area. Great views of the nearby marsh and wild critters from within the visitor's center! The staff are knowledge about walks along the coast and into the park. Make sure to stop here if you want to learn more about the lovely landscape you're driving through.

Great trip out with Alec down the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers. Such clear water we saw brown and rainbow trout and stunning scenery along the way. Would recommend this to anyone traveling in the area.

Absolutely incredible! Our driver was informative, professional, and most importantly a fantastic jet boat driver. We used the service to start and finish the Gillespie Circuit and it totally elevated what was already an amazing adventure. Worth every penny!

Wilkin river jets were awesome to deal with and they provide an amazing service. We were a group of 5 women who walked out of Gillespie pass a day early and they managed to accommodate us. Of course they can’t always deal with last minute unexpected occurrences but they were wonderful for us. Thank you!

Did the Siberia Adventure day trip with Wilkin River Jets & Backcountry Helicopters this season and can't recommend it enough. Amazing flight into the National Park, followed by a couple hours hiking down to Kerin Forks where we met the jet boat. The driver gave some great info into the history of the valley, and threw in some spins as we headed back to Makarora. Highlight of our South Island trip!

We did their Siberian Wilderness Adventure (extended) and had the BEST day ever - wish we could give them 10 stars! A helicopter flight across mountain glaciers and an alpine landing, a great walk out of Siberia valley through wonderful nature, and then a jet boat ride down the crystal blue Wilkin river - it doesn't get better than that! Best value for (helicopter flying) money in NZ for sure!

We really enjoy the experience! Great guides, they know a lot about the area, and they’re great jet boat drivers, you feel super safe. Will definitely do it again 👏

We had an amazing time in Siberia Valley. What a unique and special New Zealand experience. We felt in really safe hands with our jet boat driver Harley who is an awesome driver and guide. The scenery in Siberia Valley is pristine and the jet boat on the Wilkin River is superb. I would highly recommend this trip!

A magical experience on this river safari! My family had a wonderful time, all thanks to our wonderful guide Ruth. The weather was perfect, and we were blessed with really beautiful views throughout the tour. Can’t recommend this enough!

We went on a wet day, it was actually their first day back after being closed for the winter, but it was fabulous. Ruth, who greeted us at the office, and then later steered the boat, was friendly and very informative. She stopped the boat a few times to give us information of the area. She also provided us with a delicious morning tea which included apricot scones along the way. My husband and I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to everyone.

We really enjoyed this tour. We selected it because of its longer duration and focus on nature compared with the adrenaline seeking nature of many of the other tours I looked at, and we got just what we expected. Our guide Ruth was very knowledgeable about the local area and flora/fauna, and you get several stops along the route where you get to take in the scenery. I also really like that you get to see both the mountains and the beach on this tour, quite unique. We traveled from Wanaka for a day trip, and the drive over Haast pass is well worth it. After the tour, we drove to Jackson Bay and had lunch at the Craypot (Ruth's suggestion), and I'd highly recommend adding that to your plans. Beautiful coastline and the seafood was outstanding. Overall, extremely happy we made the drive over for this tour.

I wish I can give them 10 stars for the review. The boat trip is super fun and informative. And the view along the river is beyond words... Highly recommend!!

We did the Jet boat trip y'day and what a fabulous Valentine's treat. Cheers go out to Wayne our driver who was very informative and supplying the lovely morning tea. It was drizzly rain which added to the ambience. The walk through the forest was stunning and easy walk. The Highlight of our trip to the south island 🤗😎🤩

We didn’t know what to expect from the River Safari, but it was absolutely amazing, a real highlight of our trip! Ruth was so knowledgeable and interesting, as well as being an expert pilot of our boat. The ride was spectacular, so beautiful and fascinating to hear about life in the area.

The Waiatoto River Safari was the hidden gem of our trip! It was a fun ride up the river in a jet boat. The water was amazingly blue, we stopped to take a look at the kiwi sanctuary, we went on a short bush walk, we had tea on the beach area that separated the river from the ocean. My husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Highly, highly recommended.

Beautiful pit stop from mtcook to queenstown. You get to see valleys and infinite horizon, making this one of the underrated hidden gems to do a quick stop for photos

A must see ! Very picturesque. Make sure you've got boots in autumn , so you can check out the viewpoint just off the road. It's full of slush. Such a beautiful view and lots of opportunities to pull over safely and take photos.

Nice place to stop the car and stretch the legs. Walk around the stop and see other cars zooming pass at the top. Some wildflowers sprouting in the harsh soil conditions add a bit of colour pop!

These valleys are beautiful in different seasons. It is deserted and reminds me of driving in the Desert Road in North Island but with amazing mountain views..

We were on a road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown and stopped along the way for some amazing views. We were blown away by the beautiful scenic views of the snow capped mountains. Well worth stopping or taking a drive to visit. So beautiful and scenic. Loved it.

Decent panoramic views of the Lindis pass. We passed by on the way to Queenstown, from Aoraki, in autumn. The views are not exactly spectacular, but worth the short walk and stopover.

Remember to stop by at Lindis Pass lookout as it has one of the most amazing landscape views along highway 8. There is a small lookout just next to the highway, so it's just simply to take this as a short stop before continue your trip. The view is amazing and magnificent.

A must visit lake in New Zealand and I personally love this more than tekapo 😆

Picturesque lake and town that has a really nice laid back vibe to it. Very different to its bigger bustling tourist town cousin of Queenstown. The mountains with snow on the peaks with the clear water make for some great photos. The walk around the lakes edge is nice and flat and perfect for a stroll. The town has a good selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Loved it.

Beautiful lake with chalets and hotels lining is shores on the one end and massive mountain ranges on the other. Roy's peak is accessed from here which is a hike that takes you to that place you see on Instagram with sprawling views of the lake in all its glory. For the less adventurous, there are kayaks available to rent and other adventure activities

The must beautiful lake

A highlight of the town and a nice place for walking around. I appreciated that there were so many nice public toilets, especially in the part that touches the town. It just means that anyone can really spend a long time at the lake and chill there.

Small little town and a big lake. The famous tree is about a 15 minute walk from the town and can be done near the road or the water. The tree is much closer to the edge of the lake than expected, and much smaller than the photos. Nice pit stop in between a long car or bus ride. The weather can change the experience, definitely plan ahead if this is something you want to include in your trip!

A special tree that can give you great inspiration ! The Roys Bay of Lake Wanaka is only a a very small beach but there stands a very special and expensive tree. People call it the "Lone Tree" This willow tree submerged just off the shoreline of Roys bay in Lake Wanaka has become an iconic feature of the town . This photo album is only for this one tree ! Hope you like it .

This place really impressed me! I didn't have high expectations going in but was blown away by the volume of interesting artifacts. Everything from antique spoons to X-Men toys. It also feels like they continue to add, maintain and build upon the collection and venue. Great spot, would highly recommend.

Great place to visit, brings back memories of toys from my childhood and more recent ones my kids have had. Lots of great old cars, trucks and planes. Model trains are great also. Lots of lego put together. Very good to just walk around and non stop looking at all the pieces.

A huge and great museum for automobile enthusiasts! With a myriad of cars, fighter/passenger planes, tractors, trains, tanks, ambulance, fire ambulances and model cars on display, those who are really into them could really spend hours and hours here! ✈️ 🚗 🚒 🚋 🚜 The cars aren’t really arranged in a particular fashion, with bits of an assortment kept in each hangar, with some being really dusty as they are kept on sand, perhaps for a particular reason. The model cars selection wasn’t too huge, though there’s some unique Oxford ones i haven’t seen before - can’t find a souvenir to bring home unfortunately.. Definitely a must visit if you are into automobiles, particularly classic ones!

This is a bit of a hard one because I loved a lot about the place and certainly the idea of it. Undoubtedly the collection is impressive and almost too much to take in. And it's understandable that the upkeep of such a private collection is no doubt costly and time consuming. It's definitely impressive, but also basically more like several sheds full of stored stuff than a 'museum'. Still recommend a visit but don't expect a pristine display, more of someone's clear love for collecting an interesting and large eclectic store of items, mostly in an as-is condition and squeezed into very limited available space. If you like nostalgia, especially toys, you will love exploring this space and spending several hours. Enjoy it for what it is. If you have very high expectations, you might be disappointed.

The Vintage Transportation Museum is a great place to visit. It has a full range of classic cars on display, all very well kept and interesting to see. There’s also a wonderful collection of old-time toys, which adds extra charm and nostalgia. It’s an enjoyable spot for both car lovers and families. Highly recommended!

This is one of the most enjoyable 2 hours I have spent in a museum. So much to see and just when you think you have seen something, look up and there is more. Old cars, planes , toys, there is so much to see.

I had no idea where I was heading into - but this place offers sensory overload for transport and toy fans and horrified me in how much stuff as a generation has landed in landfill rubbish cause no one kept it. here they have kept everything!

Mount Aspiring in New Zealand is a true gem of nature that will leave you spellbound. This majestic peak, located in the heart of the Southern Alps, offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure and stunning natural beauty. The hike to Mount Aspiring is a challenging yet rewarding journey. The track takes you through breathtaking alpine landscapes, ancient glaciers, and awe-inspiring valleys. The ever-changing scenery keeps you captivated throughout the entire climb, making every step feel like a magical exploration. The panoramic views from the summit of Mount Aspiring are simply extraordinary. Gazing out over the vast and untouched wilderness, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder and tranquility. The snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls create a picture-perfect backdrop that will forever be etched into your memory. One of the highlights of Mount Aspiring is its sheer remoteness. As you venture deeper into this pristine wilderness, you'll feel a sense of solitude and serenity like nowhere else. The untouched beauty of the surrounding landscapes is truly a treat for the soul and offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. The accessibility and safety measures in place at Mount Aspiring are commendable. The Department of Conservation has ensured well-marked trails, adequate facilities, and informative signage to guide visitors along their journey. It is important to come prepared with the right equipment and supplies, as the weather can be unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly. The rich biodiversity surrounding Mount Aspiring is another aspect that adds to its charm. From rare alpine plants to unique bird species, this area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is a privilege that shouldn't be missed. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or simply a nature enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in New Zealand's unparalleled beauty, a visit to Mount Aspiring is an absolute must. The raw power and untouched landscapes found here will leave you in awe and provide an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Amazing place with beautiful views. In the early spring time when I have been there I could observe several avalache from the safe place. Totally recommend that National Park ! You can also admire there Greenpeace valleies surrounded by high mountain with snow and ice!

Nice view

Breath taking view that I will never forget. Also a must-see for Lord of the Rings fans.

New Zealand is a beautiful country I need visa

If heaven's a real thing🤔 this is what it would be like! Soooooo amazingly beautiful.

Mt. Aspiring, New Zealand 🇭🇲 👉 #NaturalbeautyoftheEarth