From the car park at the end of Carter Road, the track leads upstream alongside the Kaituna River on a historic packhorse track.

To visit the gold workings, follow the signposts and turn off onto a short side track.

The Kaituna Goldfield was first worked in 1859 and was worked periodically until the late 1930s, although little gold was ever recovered. You can see the remains of gold-sluicing operations, water races, tailing piles and a small mine drive.

Returning to the main track, continue upstream beside the Kaituna River to Kaituna Forks. The track finishes at Kaituna Forks and returns the same way to the car park.

Kaituna Track is approximately 15 km from Collingwood.

1. Follow the Collingwood Bainham Main Road inland from Collingwood.
2. Turn off onto Carter Road, on a tight corner by the small settlement of Aorere.
3. Continue to the car park at the end of Carter Road.

Carter Road is unsealed.

Safety and hazards

• Steep drop-offs and fast-flowing water: Exercise caution with children.
• Wasps: can be present in large numbers from December to April. Consider carrying medication.
• Weather: changes fast, come prepared for all conditions and bring a raincoat.
• Unbridged stream crossings: Do not attempt to cross during or immediately after heavy rain

Facilities

• No toilets.
• No rubbish bins.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows