Haast Pass has been used for over a century but has only been a highway since the late 60's. The road through Haast Pass was converted from a rough track to a formed road in 1966 and finally received a complete tarmac surface by 1995.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/otago/wanaka-makarora/haast-pass-tioripatea/features/
The Haast Pass rises to a height of 564 metres above sea level at the saddle between the valleys of the Haast and Makarora Rivers. As such, it is the lowest of the passes traversing the Southern Alps. The Haast River runs towards the West Coast and sea and the Makarora runs to Lake Wanaka.
There are walking tracks on both sides of the road. One to the Haast Pass Lookout and the other is on the old bridle track.
No bush bashing required. If you can't find easily please read the hint.