At the end of their journey south Hochstetter had told a reporter from the "New Zealander" that Haast had collected a great variety of statistical information to send home to Germany. It is likely however that Haast's main focus was on geography and geology. As Hochstetter adapted his technique in the study of a new country under adverse conditions, he later referred to Haast as his enthusiastic assistant, who not only helped but pushed him forward. At the same time Haast learnt a great deal from Hochstetter's great expertise.