The Press SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1965. Haast Pass Road

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30901, 6 November 1965, Page 14

The Press SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1965. Haast Pass Road

The opening today of the Haast pass road by the Prime Minister marks more than the completion of one of New Zealand’s most difficult road-making assignments; for this road is surely destined to become one of New Zealand’s major scenic attractions. It is appropriate that the road should be opened 100 years after Julius von Haast’s pioneering trip from Lake Wanaka over the lowest saddle in the Southern Alps down to the Tasman Sea following the river “ to which ” (in Haast’s words), “ according “ to the direction of His Honor the Superintendent, “ I gave my name.” Haast’s exploration was in search of gold, which was indeed found in considerable quantities on the West Coast But those deposits are now all but worked out, and the West Coast has for many years been in need of new industries to restore vitality to its economy. The growth of tourist traffic will offer new opportunities for many West Coast residents.

Travel agents from all over the world, though impressed with the tourist potential of the South Island, have pointed out the difficulties of arranging tours embracing both South Westland and the major attractions east of the alps, Mount Cook and the southern lakes. Now that tourists no longer have to go back on their tracks, South Westland will be included in many more overseas visitors’ itineraries. Tourism is one of New Zealand’s most rapidly expanding “ export industries ”; the whole country will benefit from this fillip to the tourist trade. It should not be forgotten, however, that much the larger proportion of “ tourists ’’ in New Zealand comprises New Zealand residents, if a “ tourist ” is defined as one who travels for pleasure and spends money on tour which he has earned in his place of residence. Most of the users of the new road will be New Zealanders on holiday, which will commend the project to those less concerned with revealing New Zealand’s wonders to foreigners than with providing full scope for the enjoyment of the country by New Zealanders. The West Coast will become known to more New Zealanders than ever before; and the “ Coasters ” will certainly lose some of that sense of isolation which, too often, has frustrated local endeavour. This, rather than any purely commercial advantages, will Surely be the great legacy of the roadmakers to the. people of the West Coast.