Jackson Bay is a 24 km bay on the southern West Coast of the South Island. The 100 km round trip from Haast is well worth the detour, the road is sealed, and the scenery is stunning!

Jackson Bay faces the Tasman sea and is backed by the Southern Alps. The bay was called Open Bay by Captain Cook but was renamed by sealer William Jackson, one of a party marooned there in 1810. In 1842, there was a whaling station here, but now it’s a quiet fishing village. Jackson Bay is one of two main areas in Southern Westland regularly used by the rare Hector’s dolphin females and their calves.

From Haast, follow the road south. You will cross over the beautiful Arawhata River with amazing views of the river and Southern Alps.

Over the bridge, the left fork in the road takes you to Cascade Road end – see post. For Jackson Bay, follow the road to the right after the bridge.

Looking towards Jackson Bay

Jackson Bay

The wharf was built in 1938 so that road-building equipment could be landed to construct the Jackson Bay to Haast highway.

The wharf was upgraded in 2021

Looking from the wharf to the small settlement of Jackson Bay.

From the end of the wharf looking west.

Stunning Jackson Bay, this is the closest harbour to Australia and supports a fishing industry of small boats catching mostly tuna and crayfish.

Walk to Ocean beach, this pleasant walk winds through the bush for about 20 minutes before emerging at the rugged coastline of Ocean beach.

The walkway from the wharf area over to Ocean beach is 1.6km and about 40 minutes return.

Ocean beach

Ocean beach, it was a beautiful day when we were there but you can imagine the difference on a West Coast stormy day!!

Ocean beach – a nice spot for a picnic

The famous craypot – an award winning seaside destination eatery.

Looking back towards Haast.

How to get there:

From Haast head south on the Haast Jackson bay Road – 48.4km