Take a dip in the Waiatoto River

An extra activity has been created when you come to Haast!   Now you can take a Waiatoto river safari which includes an optional swim in the river during the morning tea stop. 

My daughter, who is 7, is definiately a water girl and has been coming along on the tours during the holidays and the weekends.  She is very convincing – letting people know that they can pack their swim gear for the tour and then when we stop river side, jumping in and encouraging people to follow.

It has been a hot summer with the water is a brisk 9 degrees Celsius - at this time of year, however people are now much more aware of the benefits of a cold water dip since Wim Hof has made it widely known around the world of the health benefits, both mental and physical, of cold water immersions, (or in Aru’s case, flat out fun).

So pack your togs when you come along and if you forget there is always spare towels on the boat for the spontaneous river dipper. If you would like something a little warmer, Neils Beach is just down the road from the boat departure point.  It is regarded as one of the safest swimming beaches in New Zealand and during the summer months the Hector dolphins will put on displays of play in the waves.