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Haast Pass VFR Corridor

Southern crossing of the Southern Alps between the West Coast and Wanaka.

Overview

Haast Pass (563 m / 1,847 ft) is the lowest of the three main alpine crossings (with Arthur’s and Lewis). It links the West Coast at Haast with the upper Clutha valley at Wanaka (NZWF) and Queenstown (NZQN).

Haast Pass VFR Corridor

Route

  1. Depart from Hokitika (NZHK) or Franz Josef / Fox for the West Coast leg.
  2. Track south along the coast to Haast.
  3. Turn east into the Haast River valley.
  4. Follow the valley through Haast Pass, crossing at a minimum of 6,500 ft MSL.
  5. Descend into the Makarora / Lake Wanaka system.
  6. Continue east to Wanaka (NZWF) or turn south for Queenstown (NZQN).

Reporting Points

  • Haast township - coastal junction.
  • Gates of Haast - narrow section of the pass road.
  • Haast Pass summit - saddle.
  • Makarora - eastern side of the divide.
  • Lake Wanaka - arrival into the Wanaka basin.

Minimum Altitudes

  • 6,500 ft MSL over the pass.
  • 2,000 ft AGL minimum over Mount Aspiring National Park.
  • 9,500 ft MSL recommended for Queenstown crossing when weather permits.

Frequencies

Service Frequency
Wanaka CTAF 119.1
Queenstown Tower 118.1

Hazards

  • Narrow valley with limited go-around options.
  • Very high annual rainfall - cloud and rain common.
  • Mountain wave in strong westerly.
  • Terrain on both sides of the pass.

Tips

  • Give yourself plenty of altitude over the pass - you lose it quickly entering the eastern valleys.
  • Check the Mount Aspiring National Park overflight rules before departure.

For flight simulation use only. Always check weather, minimum altitudes and your aircraft limits before flying these routes.

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