Awarua / Haast Visitor Centre

Named for German geologist Julius von Haast, the Haast area includes three settlements - Haast Junction, Haast Beach and Haast itself. You get the feeling you’re on the edge of the frontier - helicopters fly deer hunters into the rugged ranges and local pubs make a feature of mounted animal heads. The surrounding World Heritage Area is the main attraction here. Everywhere you look, Westland rainforest tumbles across the landscape. Haast entertainments include river safaris, visits to fur seal and penguin colonies, sea fishing, trout fishing, hunting and the drive to Jackson Bay, one of the most remote villages in New Zealand. Functional facts: Approx. population 300, Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, limited shopping.