Haast Area
Like most parts of Westcoast: this area is beautiful. There are beautiful (rain) forests, extreme wetlands, mountains, rocks, dunes; name it. Last but not least: excellent views on the Tasman Sea and of course the not to be forgotten impressive mountains. The best base to explore this area from is Haast Village (295 inhabitants). The village itself is not of much interest.
Outdoor
Fishing
Lake Moeraki is a good Fishing spot. It is peaceful and has a nice forest.
Jetboating
The Waiatoto River is often used for Jetboating. From this river you will have beautiful scenery on the impressive (mountainous) nature around it.
Tramping (and marine mammal watching)
There are many nice tramps in this area. A famous one is the Copland Valley Track; this takes 3 days, for one way. Another nice tramp is Welcome Flat. This walk takes 3 days (return), is ranked easy to moderate, can be best walked from October to April and will take you along the Copland Rivers to an alpine area.
Some other nice tramps can be made in the surrounding area of Lake Moeraki. There is an almost 1 hour walk to Monro Beach (at the Tasman Sea) here you will be able to spot penguins and seals. Another place you will be able to spot seals while making short walks is at Jackson Bay.
Near Okuru is the Hapuka Estuary Walk. This walk will take you a short half hour. If you go from there further south you will come at Red Hills. These hills are red of color and make beautiful scenery to walk around for a few minutes.
More tramping information can be obtained from a DOC or tourist office in the concerning area or just outside it.
Culture and entertainment
Cultural buildings and places
Knights Point
A few kilometers down south from Lake Moeraki is Knights Point. At this point the Haast Road was opened in 1965.