THE HAAST VALLEY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17985, 31 January 1924, Page 7

THE HAAST VALLEY.

MILFORD TRACK BEAUTIES EQUALLED. A SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE. That the Haast Valley is a sportsman's paradise, and contains, in tho course of the main stream and its tributaries, some of the mo3t beautiful scenery in New Zealand, equalling the famed Milford but that it is difficult of access and unsafe for the inexperienced tramper to explore without some knowledge of the rather sketchy track, were impressions brought back by Mr J. W. Collins, Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commeree, who, with Mrs Collins, recently made tho trip from Waiho to Makarora by horseback (says the "Dominion"). Mr Collins was impressed by the lack of communications, which alone prevent dairying and cultivation on the flats in southernmost Westland. Vehicled Traffic Ends. 6 Waiho, said Mr Collins, is reached in comfortable motor vehicles, char-a-bancs being particularly popular. They left Waiho on horseback, the animals having to be swum oven the ice-dotted Waiho Eiver, and, accompanied by a guide, commenced tho 165-mile ride to Makarora, at the head of Lake Wauaka. He spoke glowingly of -the scenic beauties of the track, but thought it too or the ordinary tourist. The trip naturally divides itself into five stages: Waiho to. Waihaka, 17 miles; Waihcka to Mahitahi, 35 miles; Waiheka to Haast, 53 miles; Haast to Clark Hut, 28 miles; ClarkHut to Makarora, 35 miles. Eapidly Flooded Elvers. Although some of the distances to be covered appear comparatively Bhort, the difficulties encountered were found to be considerable. Kivers havo to be frequently forded, the larger ones being the Waiho, Waikupa, Waiheka (or Cook's River), Karangarua, Paringa, Moeraki, and the -'grandfather" of all, tho Haast. These all have their tributaries to be forded, all of which, after every rain, may hold up tourists for days. It is no exaggeration to say that the rivers will rise six feet in an hour, though they often fall just as rapidly. "The scenery, forest, mountain, lake, valley, and blue rivers is exceedingly beautiful," said Mr Collins, "and almost beyond words to describe. It is an experience of a lifetime to rido through forests as yet practically untouched and untarnished by civilisation. The rimu, silver pine, totara, matai, and beech predominate, and the forests are emblazoned with the deep crimson of the rata, and the white flowers of the ribbonwood, while a wealth of tree ferns and smaller ferns gives a fairy-like beauty to every turn in the track. Many tourists have paid tributes to the grandeur and glories of the Milford Track, but South Westland, and particularly the Upper Valley of the Haast, need only knowledge of it to secure recognition that amongst its glades and peaks there aro many tracks superior even to the Milford Track, and views, especially of mountains, and particularly of Mount Mac-

xfarlane and Mount Brewster, that are as imposingly grand. "The Haast "Valley must, in my opinion, become the Mecca of the sportsmen of New Zealand," continued Mr Collins. "Experts declare that in the Haast Eiver Valley, and in its tributaries, .there must _, be at least 60,000 deer, and these, in addition to rabbits, are all taking toll of tho forest, and are doing irreparable damage. In the shooting season (March j and April) sportsmen have been camping there in increasing numbers every year, and some of the finest heads have been secured in this district, the best of which form some of the most striking that will be displayed at the British Empire Exhibition. Difficulties to be Faced. "Tho first stage of the track from Waiho is formed for vehicular traffic, but it can be used only in the most favourable weather conditions, and it will be necessary to provide at least two bridges before this section is available for general vehicular traffic. "The views of the Pox Glacier from Waiheka are particularly fine. The glacier has large snowfields at " its head, and above it towers New Zealand's cloud piercer, Mount Cook, with Tasman and La Perouso flanking it. "The most dangerous parts of the track are known as Chasm Creek and Slippery Pace. At the former the traveller comes round a bend to see tons of water pouring almost straight down on to the road from a height of 40ft, and the rush of the water at the foot of the fall is tremendous. Cattle are frequently lost here, as once footing is lost the beast goes over the edge. At Slippery Pace the whole track slips away sometimes. In wet weather this part of the track is particularly perilous, as tho footing is slippery and insecure. It should be emphasised that tho track from the Haast to the Maka-. rora is a very primitive one, is not clearly defined, and is precipitous and dangerous, and that horses used must have the fullest dependance placed on them. The .Haast river itself has to be crossed 25 times, and it is only with the aid of a guide that safe fords can be found and the bush tracks followed. Those contemplating the trip on foot should thoroughly understand the difficulties and dangers. Isolated Lands Awaiting People. Nearly all the settlers in South Westland would go in for dairying if they had means of communication, said Mr Collins, but at present the only outlet is by bridle track, except for" an infrequent steamer service. If the Waiho were bridged, and wharves erected at Bruce Bay, and Jackson's Bay. a great deal of valuable products -would find their way to the markets, and a large number of new settlers wouhi go there. He spoke in the highest terms of the hospitality accorded them on their trip.