Discover the Arawhata River in South Westland
Located in South Westland, the Arawhata River is a notable feature of the region, originating from the nearby Mt Aspiring National Park and the Olivine Range and Ice Plateau. This river, though not particularly long, is joined by the Jackson River and flows towards the coast near Neils Beach. A visit to this area provides a chance to witness the river's striking blue waters, a result of fine particles suspended in the water due to glacial activity.
Spectacular Bridge Views
One of the highlights of the Arawhata River is the impressive bridge on the Haast Jackson Highway. This bridge is one of the most remarkable one-way bridges in Westland, 260 metres long and about 20 metres high. It was built in 1971 and replaced an earlier swingbridge.
If you park on the north side, you can safely walk back onto the bridge to take in the stunning views and capture some memorable photos. From this vantage point, the river's bright blue colour is particularly striking, reminiscent of the famous Hokitika Gorge.
How to Get There
To reach the Arawhata River, travel along the Haast Jackson Highway south from Haast. The bridge over the river is a key landmark and is an excellent spot for viewing and photography.
Other places to explore nearby include the town of Jackson Bay, Wharekai Te Kou Walk and Lake Ellery.
