Explorer and geologist
Route through the Rockies
Hector's professional geological work began on an arduous survey of western Canada headed by John Palliser between 1857 and 1860. Hector set off on this career-making expedition just after graduating in medicine from the University of Edinburgh. He had also studied other science subjects at university, including geology, and on the expedition he acted as both surgeon and geologist.
While exploring Hector surveyed a 1627 metre pass through the Canadian Rockies. Later the pass would form part of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway. It was called Kicking Horse Pass after Hector was kicked unconscious there by his horse.
Surveying the south
After the Canadian expedition Hector was appointed Director of the Geological Survey of Otago. He arrived in Dunedin in April 1862.
Hector's role was to explore and survey 'unknown' territory and catalogue geological and other resources. By September he had explored the eastern districts of Otago and visited Central Otago. The following year he investigated the West Coast and undertook an arduous double crossing between Milford and Dunedin.
International recognition
In 1860, after the Canadian expedition, Hector was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Royal Geographical Society. In 1877, he was awarded the Lyell Medal by the Geological Society of London. He was the second recipient of this prestigious medal.
In 1878 the Royal Society of New South Wales awarded him the Clarke Medal. This was a great tribute since scientists from anywhere in the world, not just Australasia, were eligible for the award.