Waiatoto River Safari
Venturing into the wilderness begins at Haast Junction. Take the Haast-Jacksons Bay Road for 26 kilometers, (approximately 20 minutes) to the Waiatoto River Bridge. This section of road has been described by travel writers as “one of the World's best drives”
At the riverside office, guests are welcomed by out friendly safari guide. Customers are equipped with lifejackets and safety briefed before boarding the custom built safari craft.
Click here to view the map around Haast.
Jet boating up river the safari guide stops regularly to share the knowledge about Te Wahipounamu - The Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area
Learn about large glaciers that once flowed through this location, hear about early Maori, precious greenstone and the fierce battles which gave this river its name
Photograph spectacular mountain scenery, dense temperature rain forest, waterfalls, back dropped by the snow capped Southern Alps.
Feel the pioneering spirit and appreciate the harsh environment that early settlers endured.
Smell the sea air as the safari guide talks about the local fishing industry or the regions early seafarers and their fate.
Hear birdsong and enjoy the tranquility of a secluded location in the Waiatoto lagoon
Touch tall ancient trees or examine delicate temperature rain forest plants while walking through the forest or along the river bank. (Walk is optional)
Kiwi Zone is a special protected area, talk about the work being done by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation to preserve the endangered Haast Brown Kiwi, New Zealand’s national symbol.
Departure Times
- Tours depart daily at 10am, 1pm and 4pm.
- 364 days a year (No 4pm trip during winter)
- Trips for groups at other times by arrangement
- Safari Duration: 2½ hrs approx including short optional walk
Bring along
- Warm clothing
- A waterproof jacket
- Sturdy footwear for walking
- A camera with plenty of memory space or extra film
- A smile and a sense of adventure!
Reservations
Bookings are essential. Please Call free 0800 538 723 any time within NZ or +64 3 750 0780 from overseas
Pricing for Waiatoto River Safari Price
Adult Price: NZ$199.00 (inclusive of GST)
Child aged 4 - 16 years: NZ$129.00
(inclusive of GST)
Valid until 30 September 2010
Waiatoto River Safari reserves the right to amend or cancel tours due to bad weather, road, river flow or any other conditions that affect client or company safety.
Scenic Flight
Available from Wanaka or Queenstown
When visiting Wanaka or Queenstown and don't have the time to take a drive to experience “the Coast” simply book a trip by air. The flight over the mountains is simply awe inspiring, once you reach the settlement of Haast it's a short transfer to the Waiatoto River where you join the river section of your trip. To complete your day it's a return flight back to your departure town, either direct or via Milford sound.
Pricing
Queenstown or Wanaka/Fly/Safari/Milford Sound Landing/Fly
Duration approx 7½ hours
Includes all transfers
Adult $929.00
Child $780.00
Queenstown or Wanaka/Fly/Safari/Fly
Duration approx 5½ hours
Includes all transfers
Adult $729.00
Child $629.00
