Kaituna Walk |
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There are several places in Golden Bay where miners' tracks built last century are being enthusiastically re-used by today's visitors. Turn off the main road at Kaituna Bridge and follow the signs to the modest carpark near the bush edge.
From here a well-graded track takes you first to the old Kaituna gold-workings, where water-races, shafts, stacked stones and the odd piece of rusting iron identify a hundred-year-old rush; then the track carries you further into the hills with splendid views over the river and bush. The more adventurous can follow the track right through to Westhaven several hours away, but for most people the Kaituna Forks (one & a half hours one way) is about far enough.
You should have noticed many huge rata trees in a beautiful bush setting just a short distance up the track. It is perhaps poetic justice that right opposite the track carpark there is a small tannery business (along with gallery and cafe facilities) where the pesky possum pests which try to destroy our rata forests are being put to good use to create a wide range of possum leather products.
