Kaituna Track
Route
Time:
8-9 hr or shorter walks from 20 min to 2 hr
Getting there
Kaituna Track begins approximately 15 kilometres from Collingwood. Follow the main road from Collingwood to Bainham inland to where Carters Road begins, on a tight corner. The track starts from the car park at the end of Carters Road and continues right through to Westhaven Inlet on the West Coast (8-9 hours). Most people, however, walk only to the site of the old Kaituna gold workings (20 min) or on to Kaituna Forks, a 2-hour return trip.
About the area
Known for its stunning scenery and natural areas, the Golden Bay area, features a number of tracks including the Abel Tasman Inland Track. Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park are other area highlights.
Description
Kaituna Track, where track crosses
over river
From the car park, cross Little Granity Creek using the footbridge and follow the farm track for 400 metres to the start of the walk. A short track takes you past the remains of gold sluicing operations, water races, tailing piles and a small cave. The side track then cuts back onto the main track.
Beyond the Kaituna Forks, the track changes to a 'route' and is suitable only for experienced and fit trampers. From here it is a further 5-6 hours over a marked route to Knuckle Hill. The route climbs over two ridges and crosses two streams before crossing an open pahiki area to the base of Knuckle Hill. There it meets the old logging road that leads down to the car park on Dry Road.
Activities
Bird watching
Flora and fauna
Historic sites
Bird watching
The rich forest and mild climate allow a wide range of birds to flourish: kereru (the New Zealand pigeon), tui, fantail, tomtit, bush robin, rifleman, silvereye and bellbird.
Flora & fauna
Magnificent specimens of northern rata, pukatea and rimu tower over a sub-canopy of nikau palms, heketara, wineberry, kamahi, and mahoe. Beech species are also present. For those with an eye for detail, there are many species of fern, orchid, fungi and perching plants.
Historic sites
The Kaituna Goldfield was first worked in 1859 and continued until the late 1800s, although little gold was ever recovered. The present track follows the original pack-horse track to the Kaituna goldfield.
Places to stay
There is no hut or campsite on this track.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required