Haast

Haast is an area in the Westland District territorial authority on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. The Haast region covers over 2,500 km (970 sq mi). The region is named after Julius von Haast, a Prussian born geologist instrumental in the early geological surveys of New Zealand. The 2006 census recorded a population of 297 for the Haast statistical area, a decrease of 12 from the 2001 census. The majority of this population is located in three communities - the Haast township, Haast Junction, and Haast Beach. The main economic activities in the Haast region are farming, fishing and tourism. Lake Moeraki is 30 km (19 mi) to the northeast, and the Haast Pass is 63 km (39 mi) to the southeast by road. State Highway 6 passes...