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 until 1965. The Haast Pass is the lowest pass ( 562m ) across the Southern Alps and is rarely closed by bad weather. The journey offers a variable landscape of rainforest,wetlands,lakes,glacier fed rivers and rapids. Easy access to many fine walks and scenic attractions along the highway make this a very popular route and allow plenty of time to view the sights.