The Kaituna Track is an ideal walk for families and people of all ages interested in getting out into New Zealand's beautiful native bush.

While it is possible to follow the track right on through to the Westhaven Inlet on the West Coast (an 8 hour tramp) most people prefer to walk only to the site of the old Kaituna gold workings (20mins) or on to the river forks - an easy 3 hour return jaunt.

Magnificent giant northern rata trees abound in the Kaituna forest and these trees produce a stunning red floral display during the summer months.

Pockets of nikau palm, tree fern and beech forest are to be found amongst the native bush along the track as are a wide variety of shrub ferns, orchids and fungi.

Due to intensive possum control over the past few years the native birds are once again becoming very abundant and the birds to be seen here regularly include the kereru (pigeon), tui, bellbird, fantail, bush robin, weka, kea and native falcon.

The Kaituna goldfields were sluiced for alluvial gold during the late 1800s and a small side track off the main route takes you in a loop through the remaining evidence of those frenetic days….. stone water races, tailing heaps, a small tunnel and the odd bit of rusty equipment