Waitaki

Otago

See also Canterbury for Northern side of the Waitaki River (Glenavy Ride)

Borton's Pond - Black Point

Borton's Pond near Black Point is on the Otago side of the Waitaki River, off the Duntroon-Georgetown road.

This is part of the Waitaki irrigation scheme, and the company allows access by other users.

This is an easy flat trail, with 4.5km loop suitable to ride on. Some dams to cross over, some best unmounted, due to height of rails, The ford is best crossed in the gravel area rather than over the concrete beams. You can ride beyond the pond and follow the trail along the river.

This is a trail for experienced combinations, as some dams and the ford may be an eye opener for some horses, it easy to walk the trail yourself first, and access if it is suitable for you. Water levels may vary. Share with care. There are many other types of users on this trail - walkers with dogs, runners, cyclists, fishers, canoeists, families with small children enjoying on the pond.

Parking and Access

There are two good places to park a truck or float.

DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLES AND FLOATS OVER THE DAMS, BRIDGES OR FORDS

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Waitaki Haul Rd

Shared unformed road, between Kurow and Otiake

From Borton's Pond - Turn off Old haul road, (just near the ford) and go a few km's down the track, and when you get to the horse sign on the deer fence you follow the fence around to the continuation of the track and follow that for about 1km.

Photo right courtesy Brenda Reading - The creek by the old ford down the haul road can be full of water and a bit high to cross, but it creates other fun with water options along the Waitaki Haul Road.

Please respect the sections that have been marked as cycle trail only (unfortunately the Alps to Ocean Trail Trust is very shortsighted and not open to sharing) - but much of this area can be navigated on horseback. There is no access along the trail to Kurow Estate Winery and River-T Estate Wines (see photo below).