100% 4wd Track
A huge climb up to Blind Saddle on a 4wd track with a great surface. The main way into the Clarence Valley.
Description
This route starts from the bridge that crosses the Kahutara River on the Inland Kaikoura Road. The track follows the river for a couple of hundred meters before abruptly climbing the first short hill. Then there is a slight respite as the track crosses some fairly flat farmland. From here the top of Blind Saddle can be seen at the back of the valley with the route being quite obvious. Another short hill and then short descent brings you to Bushy Saddle.
From Bushy Saddle the track is steep and unrelenting. The next next 2.5kms are pretty tough, but at least once beyond that point the angle eases and easy progress can be made to the saddle. The high point is actually about 1km beyond the saddle.
Due to time constraints and issues with bikes we turned round at this point. Also it was sunny but snowing!