The Haast Pass Highway ( SH 6 ) is a scenic 140 kilometre link between Central Otago and the West Coast of the South Island. It is situated in the most northerly area of the vast Mt Aspiring National Park. The early Maori people crossed the pass to the West Coast to trade Pounamu ( Greenstone or Jade ) and food . They called it Tiori-patea which means " the way ahead is clear ". The former packhorse track , used by gold prospectors, cattle drovers and the early settlers was developed in various stages but was not completed ... (more)