The Awarua / Haast Visitor Centre will be closed from 30 June to early September 2026 for essential upgrades.
- Phone and email are monitored 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, 7 days a week.
- The nearest open visitor centre is Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre in Franz Josef.
- For backcountry hut tickets and personal locator beacon hire, go to Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre or Macpac at 45 Ardmore Street, Wānaka.
- For hunting permits and information, see Hunting: Things to do.
The Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre is located within Te Wāhipounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage area. This status was awarded in 1990 by UNESCO in recognition of its natural landscapes and cultural history.
Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area
We are also the gateway to Tititea/ Mt Aspiring National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Contact details
Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre
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Phone: |
+64 27 303 4890 |
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Email: |
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Address: |
Haast Junction |
Getting there
We are located at Haast Junction, along State Highway 6, between the Haast River bridge and Haast Township.
Opening hours
- All year: 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily
- Closed Christmas Day 25 December
Information and services
- Information on local tracks, huts, and campsites.
- Information about local and national conservation efforts.
- Other information about local attractions and businesses.
- Information about the roads leading to Wānaka and Franz Josef Glacier.
- Issuing dog permits.
- Retail area, including jackets, books, maps, hut tickets, and brochures.
- Providing information on hunting and fishing, including administering roar and tahr hunting ballots.
- Toilets available to the public during opening hours.
- Display area with historical, biological, and cultural information on South Westland.
- Wetland area and nearby Mitchell Walk to explore.