8 Kaipaitangata Valley
Access: From the southern edge of Carterton, Dalefield Rd leads NW to the Kaipaitangata Valley. This catchment, a minor one in the Forest Park, is the source for the Carterton water supply. Five hundred metres before the locked gate, a road climbs to the Mt. Dick(approve sites) Lookout, at about 520m.
Overview: Three hundred metres beyond the locked gate, the first and largest of four weirs will be passed and the road ends at stream forks (Topo50 BP34 053 596(approve sites)). Through this valley the old Sayer Track from Totara Flats emerges.
8.1 Sayer Track
Beyond the road-end, and on the TL about 10 metres beyond the uppermost weir, the graded formation of the old Sayer Track to Totara Flats leads up-spur over .517(approve sites) and .810(approve sites) to join the modern route as in 7.1. This route is fairly well padded and the print of the old trail is clear, but it is not otherwise marked. A good 3 hours to .772(approve sites).
The 4WD road running to the Mt Dick Lookout provides access to a lightly marked route to Waiohine .818 Waiohine 818(approve sites)(great views just to the N) and beyond to .772.
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