Strongly neo-romantic in character and capturing the essential contours of the alpine pass to Westland, Haast Highway shows the high viewpoint typical of Pruden's panoramic works. He tilts the landscape in upward gestures and sweeping linear rhythms that translate to the actual topography of the area with its snowy peaks and cascading waterfalls. The richly brooding brass colour harmonies and an equal play between solo and ensemble add to the aural space and a sense of immediacy; in the central section the active timpani closely translate to the sound of boulders knocking in roiling rivers.