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Ship Creek, Haast
1 km
30 minutes
0 metres
If you are driving the wild length of State Highway 6 along the South Island’s West Coast, there is one stop that simply cannot be missed. Nestled between the roaring Tasman Sea and the towering Southern Alps, Ship Creek (known as Tauparikākā in Māori) offers a profound sense of isolation and beauty. While many people rush through the Haast region on their way to the glaciers or Wanaka, those who pull over at Ship Creek are treated to some of the most prehistoric landscapes remaining in New Zealand.
The Dune Lake Walk is one of two spectacular short walks starting from this point. It is a gentle, 1-kilometre loop that takes about 30 minutes to complete, but don’t let the short distance fool you. This trail packs a significant punch, transitioning from wind-swept coastal dunes to a mystical, stunted forest and then alongside a tranquil dune lake. It is an easy, flat walk that is perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to stretch their legs in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.
The journey begins at the well-signed Ship Creek car park, just a short hop off the main highway. From the moment you step out of the car, the salt spray hits your face and the rhythmic boom of the ocean sets the tempo for your walk. The initial section of the Dune Lake Walk is designed with accessibility in mind. It winds gently along the sand dunes on a smooth surface that is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, making it a fantastic inclusive option for all travellers.
As you move away from the immediate shoreline, the track enters a world that feels like a scene from a fantasy novel. You’ll find yourself walking through a coastal forest where the trees look like they are cowering or reaching out in desperation. These trees have been "sculptured" by the relentless, salt-laden westerly winds that batter this coast. Stunted and twisted into gnarly shapes, they tell a story of incredible resilience. The canopy here is low, creating an intimate, almost enclosed feeling as you weave through the greenery.
The terrain remains flat and easy throughout, following a well-maintained loop. One minute you are looking at the intricate patterns of the sand, and the next, you are surrounded by the deep greens of the West Coast bush. It’s a sensory experience—the smell of damp earth and sea salt, the sound of the wind whistling through the scrub, and the sight of the dark, tannin-stained waters of the lake. Because the walk is so short and easy, it’s a great way for kids to burn off some energy while learning about the environment.
A large parking area with public toilets is available directly off State Highway 6 at the Ship Creek Tauparikākā site.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
17km away
A characterful local pub in Haast, known for its antler-filled decor and welcoming vibe. It serves freshly cooked pub-style dishes, including highly praised seafood and burgers, along with local wines and Monteith's beers.
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Loop
The absolute crown jewel of this walk is the series of viewing platforms. These elevated decks provide the perfect vantage point to appreciate the scale of the landscape. From here, you can look out over the Dune Lake, a peaceful body of water that sits in stark contrast to the nearby ocean. On a calm day, the lake acts as a perfect mirror, reflecting the expansive West Coast sky and the distant mountain ranges.
Another highlight is the view looking southwest toward Jackson Head. The coastline here is rugged and untamed, with driftwood-strewn beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially when the light is low in the afternoon and the mist begins to roll off the surf.
What makes this trail truly special is its geological story. The dune lake was formed over centuries as coastal sediment slowly built up, trapping water between ancient dune ridges. Seeing this process in person—the transition from beach to dune to lake to forest—is like looking at a living timeline of the earth’s formation. It’s a rare opportunity to see a pristine coastal wetland that hasn't been modified by human development.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward. Ship Creek is located on State Highway 6, approximately 15 to 20 kilometres north of the Haast township. If you are driving south from the glaciers (Fox and Franz Josef), it will be on your right-hand side. If you’re heading north from Haast, look for the signs on your left.
There is a large, well-appointed gravel parking area with plenty of room for campervans. The site features clean public toilets and informative display boards that explain the history and ecology of the area. It’s a popular spot, but because the walks are short, there is a constant turnover of visitors, so finding a park is usually easy.
Ship Creek is a haven for birdlife, and the Dune Lake Walk offers several different habitats for spotting our feathered friends. As you walk through the forest, keep an ear out for the melodious song of the Tūī. They are very common here year-round and can often be seen flitting through the canopy in search of nectar. You are also almost guaranteed to be joined by the friendly Pīwakawaka (Fantail), which often follows hikers to catch the insects stirred up by their footsteps.
If you look toward the lake or the marshy edges, you might spot a Pūkeko foraging in the reeds. For those with a keen eye and a bit of patience, the rare Matuku hūrepo (Australasian Bittern) is known to inhabit these wetlands, though they are notoriously difficult to spot due to their incredible camouflage.
Down on the beach and near the creek mouth, keep an eye out for the Pied Oystercatcher during the spring and summer months. And, if you are visiting in the spring and have luck on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguin). They occasionally visit this stretch of coast, though they are shy and should always be given plenty of space.
The Dune Lake Walk is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour:
The name Ship Creek carries a bit of maritime mystery. It was named after pieces of a ship (the Schomberg) were found here in the 1860s, having drifted all the way from a wreck in Victoria, Australia. However, the Māori name, Tauparikākā, translates to "a line of parrots," referring to the abundance of birdlife that has historically called this forest home.
This area is part of the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. This is a massive recognition by UNESCO, marking this region as one of the world's great natural areas, containing rocks, plants, and animals which date back to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. Walking the Dune Lake trail isn't just a stroll; it’s a walk through a landscape that looks much as it did thousands of years ago, before humans ever set foot in Aotearoa.
If you have an extra 20 minutes, I highly recommend also doing the Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk, which starts from the same car park. It takes you into a swamp forest featuring New Zealand’s tallest tree, the kahikatea (white pine), providing a perfect complement to the dune experience.
After you’ve soaked in the wild coastal vibes, you’ll likely be ready for a coffee or a hearty meal. Since Ship Creek is quite remote, you’ll need to head 17km south into Haast to find a feed.
Frontier Cafe & Bar is a fantastic choice located within the Heartland Hotel Haast. It has a classic, welcoming country pub atmosphere. If you want a real taste of the West Coast, look for the whitebait salads or their famous venison pies. It’s a great spot for a full buffet breakfast if you’re passing through early, or a relaxing dinner to cap off your day of exploring.
For something with a bit of local character, check out The Hard Antler Bar and Restaurant. As the name suggests, the interior is decorated with an impressive collection of deer antlers, giving it a true "mountain man" vibe. They serve massive, freshly cooked pub-style meals—their seafood platters and burgers are legendary. It’s the perfect place to grab a pint of local Monteith’s beer and chat with the locals about the day's adventures.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Porphyrio melanotus
Purple swamphen with distinctive red bill and frontal shield. Common in wetlands and grasslands.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus finschi
An endemic New Zealand shorebird, the Pied Oystercatcher is easily spotted foraging for shellfish on tidal flats and in nearby paddocks.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
These rare penguins come ashore at Long Reef near Martins Bay to nest in flax bushes, offering a unique viewing opportunity during their breeding season.
Best time: Spring
Botaurus poiciloptilus
A globally vulnerable and elusive heron-like bird, renowned for its cryptic camouflage and the male's distinctive deep 'booming' call during breeding season.
Best time: Year-round
17km away
Located within the Heartland Hotel Haast, this cafe and bar offers a casual country pub atmosphere with hearty food, including venison pies and whitebait salads. It's a great spot to refuel with a full buffet breakfast or a relaxing dinner.