THE HAAST VALLEY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 105, 29 January 1924, Page 13

THE HAAST VALLEY

MILFORD TRACK BEAUTIES EQUALLED A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE A DANGEROUS TRIP AFOOT That the Haast Valley is a sportsman’s paradise, and contains, in the course of tho main stream and its tributaries, some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand, equalling the famed Milford track, 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 bv Mr, J. W. Collins, Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, who, with Mrs. Collins, recently made the trip from Waiho to Makarora by horseback. Mr. Collins was impressed bv the lack of communications which, alone prevent dairying and cultivation on the flats in southernmost "Westland. Vehicled Traffic Ends. 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 over the ice-dotted Waiho River, and, accompanied by a guide, commenced the 165 mile ride to Makarora. at the head of Lake Wanaka Ho spoke glowingly of the scenic beauties of the track, but thought it too arduous for the ordinary tourist. The trip naturally divides itself info five stages, Waiho to. Waihaka, 17 miles : Waiheka to Mahitahi, 35 miles; Waiheka to Haast. 53 miles; Haast to Clark Hut, 28 miles; Clark Hut to Makarora, 35 miles. Rapidly Flooded Rivers. Although sojpe of the distances to bo covered appear comparatively short, the difficulties encountered were found io be considerable. Rivers have to be frequentlv forded, the larger ones being the Waiho, Wnikupa, Waiheka (or Cook’s River) Karangarua. Paringa, Moeraki, and, the “grandfather” of all. the 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 ?ix feet in an hour, though thev often fall just as rapidly. “The scenerry. 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 ride 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 > fairy-like beauty to every turn in the track'. Many ’tourists have paid tributes to the grandeur and glories of the Milford track hut 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 are many tracks superior even to the Milford track, and views, especially of mountains, and particularly of Mount Macfarlane and Mount Brewster, that are as imposinglv grand. “The Haast Valley must, in my opinion, become the Mecca of . the sportsmen of New Zealand,” continued Mr. Collins. “Experts declare that in th? Haast River Valley, and in its tributaries, there must be at,. . least 60.000 deer, and these, in addition to rabbits, aro all taking toll of the forest, and are doing irreparable damage. In the shooting season (March and April) sportsmen have been ing 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. Dfficultlcs to bo Faced. “The 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 Fox Glacier from Waiheka are particularlv fine. The glacier has large snowfields at its head and above it towers New Zealand’s cloud pierdcr, Mount Cook, with Tasman and La Perouse Ranking it. “The most dangerous parts of the track are known as Chasm Creek and Slippery Face. At tho former the traveller comes round a hend 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 tho edge to fall 00ft. At Slippery Face tho whole track slips away sometimes. In wet weather this nart of the track is particularly perilous, ns the footing is slipnerv and insecure. It should be emphasised that the track from the Haast to the Makarora 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. Tho Haast River itself 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 arid dangers. Isolated Lands Awaiting People. Nearly all the settlers in. South Westland would go in for dairying if thev had means of communication, said Mr. Collins, hut at present tho only outlet is by bridle track.. except for'an infrequent steamer service. If th" Waiho were bridged, and wharves erected at Bruce 'Bav and Jackson's Bay. a great deal of valuable products would find their way to the markets, and a large number of new settlors would go there. He spoke on the highest terms of the hospitality accorded them on their trip.