Jackson Bay

Travel Guide

A coastal landscape with a calm body of water reflecting the sky and vegetation.
A bright sun reflecting on the ocean with a clear sky and distant mountains.
A calm lake with a reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees.
A calm lake with boats, a dock, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A road through a forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through.
Take the family on a boat trip around the calm waters of Jackson Bay. There's no better way to appreciate the area's spectacular scenic beauty.

We've got great news if you're keeping a close eye on your vacation finances. Admission is free to Jackson Bay, located in Westland District. After you've explored this inlet along the shoreline, why not swing by Lake Ellery? It's another of the area's favorite sights.

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.

Jackson Bay West Coast
$186 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
$210 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Jackson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hannah's Beach and Hapuka Estuary Walk are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"We had a great 3 nights here. Thank you very much for being pet friendly. Such a cosy spot in an amazing part of the country - we will be back!"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.
Heartland Hotel Haast

Heartland Hotel Haast

3 out of 5
Haast-Jackson Bay Road Haast
$57 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from Oct 30 to Oct 31
$67 total
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Haast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (749 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2026

Heartland Hotel Haast
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

5 out of 5
Minaret Station Minaret Bay
$1,925 nightly
The price is $2,213 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$2,213 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury lodge in Minaret Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Minaret Peaks is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"A hidden charm. Top of class in service and hospitality."

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2024

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
See all 16 properties in Jackson Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.

Jackson Bay West Coast
Stay at this vacation home in Jackson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hannah's Beach and Hapuka Estuary Walk are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"We had a great 3 nights here. Thank you very much for being pet friendly. Such a cosy spot in an amazing part of the country - we will be back!"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.
Welcoming and well loved older house centrally located in Haast township

Welcoming and well loved older house centrally located in Haast township

Haast West Coast
Stay at this vacation home in Haast. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Aotearoa Gemstones and Haast Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"Loved the little Bungalow, so cozy and snug, right at the bottom of the west coast of NZ. slice of paradise I intend to revisit when the opportunity presents! Lucy was amazing with communication, and made everything so easy for us, specially as the road had closed through and were only doing convoys ..."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2026

Welcoming and well loved older house centrally located in Haast township
Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

Makarora OTA
Stay at this cottage in Makarora. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attraction Blue Pools is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park
See all properties in Jackson Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Jackson Bay attractions

Hapuka Estuary Walk

8.4/10 (7 reviews)
You can take time to visit Hapuka Estuary Walk during your travels to Jackson Bay.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Jackson Bay?
The best time to visit Jackson Bay is from November through March, when the weather is generally pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of June through September are a good option for a more relaxed experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Jackson Bay?
A good itinerary length for Jackson Bay is one to two days to enjoy the Hapuka Estuary Walk and take a Waiatoto River Jetboat Safari. An extended stay of two to three days allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of these natural highlights. See Jackson Bay Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Jackson Bay?
Jackson Bay offers travelers a chance to explore its natural beauty with scenic walks and thrilling river adventures:

  • Stroll along the Hapuka Estuary Walk, a significant landmark and point of interest in Jackson Bay.
  • Embark on a Waiatoto River Jetboat Safari for an exciting and memorable experience.

Can I book a refundable hotel in Jackson Bay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Jackson Bay by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Jackson Bay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Jackson Bay trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Jackson Bay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Jackson Bay can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Jackson Bay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Jackson Bay trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Jackson Bay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Jackson Bay trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Jackson Bay?
If it's your first trip to Jackson Bay, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Jackson Bay hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Jackson Bay hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Jackson Bay

Two prominent rock formations on a beach with waves crashing against them.

Haast

A turquoise river flowing through a rocky gorge surrounded by dense green forest.

Mount Aspiring National Park