Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
make the crossing may well have been led by the German geologist Julius von Haast, in
1863 - hence the name of the pass, river and township - but evidence suggests that Scot-
tish prospector Charles Cameron may have pipped Haast at the post. It was clearly no
mean feat, for such is the terrain that the Haast Pass Highway wasn't opened until 1965.
Heading inland from Haast towards Wanaka (145km, 2½ hours), the highway (SH6)
snakes alongside the Haast River, crossing the boundary into Mt Aspiring National Park
shortly after you hit fourth gear. The further you go, the narrower the river valley be-
comes, until the road clambers around sheer-sided valley walls streaked with waterfalls
and scarred by rock slips. Princely sums are involved in keeping this highway clear, and
even so it sets plenty of traps for unwary drivers.
Stop to admire the scenery, availing yourself of the many signposted lookouts and short
walkways such as
Fantail
and
Thunder Creek
falls. These are detailed in DOC's booklet
Walks along the Haast Highway
($2), but sufficient detail is provided at the trailheads.
The highway tops out at the 563m pass mark, shortly after which you will reach food
and fuel at Makarora. Oh, hello Otago!
