Ship Creek

Ship Creek, located in Haast, New Zealand, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This area is a unique combination of coastal swamp forest, dunes, and stunning coastline, providing visitors with a glimpse into what much of the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement.

The Ship Creek area is home to an ancient kahikatea swamp forest, which is one of the best examples of swamp forest in New Zealand. Visitors can walk through the lush shaded forest and experience stunning specimens of New Zealand's tallest tree, the kahikatea. The area also offers two short loop walks, which are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. These walks provide access to the stunning coastline, a lookout tower with 360-degree views, picnic tables, and toilet facilities.

One of the most popular walks in the Ship Creek area is the Dune Lake Walk, which takes visitors through forest dunes by a windy West Coast beach. This walk is an introduction to the vast Haast coastal dune system and opens out to provide magnificent photo opportunities.

Ship Creek is approximately 11 km long and flows northwest from catchment areas on the slopes of Bald Hill, reaching the Tasman Sea around 20 km north-east of Haast. The area is named after the small river that flows into the coastal swamp forest. Ship Creek is at the northern end of the Haast plain that extends 50 km to Jackson Bay/Okahu. The plain has an unusual landform, with long parallel lines of low hills with narrow swales in between. In some places, the plain is 10 km wide, with six rows of dunes and swales. The landform results from the combined effects of sediment carried to the coast by six rivers and the prevailing westerly winds.

Overall, Ship Creek is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand's West Coast. Whether you're interested in walking through ancient forests, exploring stunning coastlines, or learning about the area's unique landform, Ship Creek has something for everyone.