Last Updated: 18th Jan 2025
Kaituna Track Wilderness Experience
Submitted by Cheryl Steel
Last Updated: 18th Jan 2025
Grunt Factor: 36 ?
Gnarl Factor: 61 ?
17.0km
720m
760m
460m
Last Updated: 18th Jan 2025
Submitted by Cheryl Steel
Last Updated: 18th Jan 2025
Grunt Factor: 36 ?
Gnarl Factor: 61 ?
17.0km
720m
760m
460m
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Riverside
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.2%
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5:30
Slow
3:45
Moderate
2:30
Fast
NOTE: The track was badly damaged by Cyclone Gita, and almost completely rebuilt. The track is poorly marked, often not very visible, there are felled trees in many places, and it's slow going. Golden Bay SAR report that there are relatively frequently incidents.
The historic Kaituna track provides an interesting crossing from the northern west coast to the Aorere Valley near Collingwood. It passes through some pretty wild and remote country in between (don't be surprised if you think you're being chased by wild pigs!). There is no hut en route.
Head up the 4WD trail towards Knuckle Hill. It is worth taking the side trail up to the summit and back for the views over the unique Whanganui Inlet region. Continue on the Kaituna track which heads through dense native bush and up and along a two undulating bush-clad ridges (crossing a couple of streams along the way) before making a steep sustained descent into the Kaituna River where it forks. From here continue on a fast trail on the true left of this river out to the trail end on Carter Road, which is around 15k from Collingwood.
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32 km
41 minutes
No
No
Hard.
Take a map and compass and keep a keen eye on the trail and markers. The trail is surprisingly remote, and not a good place to get lost.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map
A few streams along the way.
It's important not to do this trip in/after heavy rain as you need to cross the Kaituna River forks near the end.
Take care with navigation and following the trail; also avoid if the Kaituna River is likely to be high.
Mussel Inn
Between Collingwood and Takaka
https://www.musselinn.co.nz/
Good food and great atmosphere.
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So happy to have this in the trail directory! Kaituna lived up to its reputation - more adventure trodding than cruise running, be prepared for windfall which DOC doesn't clear. If you do it from the Aorere towards the west coast of Golden Bay, you will be rewarded with lovely views over Whanganui Inlet.
August 8, 2021
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