EXPERIENCE HARI HARI, NEW ZEALAND
LOCATION
Hari Hari is a small rural settlement in South Westland on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The name has the Maori meaning of "to take/carry joy" or "come together in unison". Hari Hari is nestled near the base of the dramatic Southern Alps and slightly inland from the Tasman Sea and the Saltwater Lagoon between the Wanganui and Poerua Rivers, 45 minutes south of Hokitika on State Highway 6. Some call it the gateway to Glacier Country, being only a 45-minute drive to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier it makes for the perfect and well-worth stop over to break up your travels. The village's natural environment being flanked by the alps and also close to rivers, rainforests, lakes, and the ocean makes it an adventurer's paradise. Lake Ianthe is located just up the road and is great for boating, fishing, picnics, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, catching a stunning reflective sunset, or bird watching. The Wanganui River is home to some of the most accessible natural hot springs and is the more experienced hikers' gateway to some fabulous backcountry huts. Head on out to the beach and complete the Hari Hari Coastal Walkway complete with a summit of Mt One One or take a stroll around the Wilberg Walk which starts right on the doorstep of your accommodation. If hunting is more your thing, wildlife is abundant in the area and we can offer insight into helping you plan your trip. Just down the road, in Whataroa you can take a jaw-dropping helicopter flight with Glacier Country Scenic Flights or book yourself on the White Heron Sanctuary tour. Check out our local mosaic garden, grab some delicious food from The Rushes Cafe & Bar, and some groceries from our On The Spot.
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Hari Hari was once a logging settlement and relics of a bush tramway that used to carry timber can be found in the area. Today, the forest in the area is protected and popular activities in the Hari Hari area include bushwalking, birdwatching, and trout and salmon fishing.
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Hari Hari's main claim to fame occurred on 7 January 1931, when Australian aviator Guy Menzies landed upside down in a swamp near Hari Hari, completing the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea. Menzies, who had left Sydney 11 hours and 45 minutes earlier, was aiming for Blenheim but had been blown off course and mistook a swamp for flat pasture suitable for landing. Despite the accident, he was unharmed. On 7 January 2006, the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the feat were held in Hari Hari, with roughly 400 people in attendance. To mark the occasion, Dick Smith recreated Guy Menzies' flight, though Smith chose to land upright in Hari Hari.
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HIKING NEAR HARI HARI, WEST COAST
Wilberg Walk
The Wilberg Walk trailhead starts literally on the doorstep of your accommodation at Glenalmond. The track climbs gently through the rimu forest and wanders along a terrace behind the township, with occasional views through the forest to the farmland below. Return to your starting point via the footpath or retrace your steps along the track. The trail is approximately 1.4km return and you should allow about 30 minutes to complete it. The perfect start to your day!
Hari Hari Coastal Walkway
Harihari Coastal Walkway is one of the most scenic walkways on the West Coast, with spectacular views of forests, rivers, Southern Alps, and coastline. The trail takes you through estuaries and also a swamp forest. The track features remnants of old pack tracks, an old log tramway, and white baiters' huts. Take your fishing gear to the Wanganui River mouth. It's a great place for white baiting, angling, and eeling. Whilst you are out there, complete Mt One One, the summit is about 100m above sea level right on the coast. ​​Not including Mt One One, the trail is a 7.6km loop, it is good to allow about 3 hours to complete it. To access the trailhead, from Hari Hari, turn right onto Wanganui Flat Road, then turn left and follow La Fontaine Road to the road end carpark, which is approximately a 20km drive. ​
Wanganui Amethyst Creek Hot Pools
The Wanganui River is home to some fantastic natural hot springs with the most accessible being Amethyst Creek. Please note that these hot pools are not maintained by any means and there is no clearly marked trail to access them. They are more of a local tip-off and it is prudent you do your own research online before setting off to find them as they can move around and you may need to take a shovel to dig them out if there has been a recent flood. This is what we know...
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Take the road on the North bank of the Wanganui River, there is a sign at the intersection. Drive as far as possible (1.5kmish) to the locked gate/start of the Wanganui Valley track.
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Follow the marked track to rejoin the road. You MUST cross the bridge, and ignore side tracks before the bridge.
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*200m from the bridge on the corner there is an obvious track heading to the riverbed. Follow it, join the riverbed, and head downstream perhaps 100 meters following the bank .*GPS coordinates, S43.16917 E170.62861. All up, a 15-minute 1km moderate/slow walk from car park.
Wanganui Valley
The Wanganui River valley provides rugged backcountry opportunities for those with suitable skills and experience. Access amazing natural hot springs and gorgeous New Zealand West Coast back country including the Lambert Tops Route, Hot Springs Flat, Hunters Hut & Smyths Hut. Incredible hunting and fishing. Check this link for more information.
WEST COAST NEW ZEALAND GLACIERS
Hari Hari is located a 30-minute drive from the nearest helicopter service that can take you on a flight to see the glaciers. Glacier Country Scenic Flights are located approximately 25-30 minutes South of Glenalmond and boasts one of the most stunning heliports in New Zealand, perched adjacent to the stunning Whataroa River. If you would like to hike on the Glacier, you can do this from one of the helicopter services in Franz Josef Glacier which is located approximately 45 minutes South of Glenalmond.
AMENITIES
Hari Hari is a small rural village with all you need. Complete with a historic museum, fuel station, boutique grocer, The Rushes Cafe & Bar, and an Anglican Church.
