Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Bealey Blaster

Arthurs Pass, Canterbury

Submitted by Mike Steel

Last Updated: 28th Oct 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 61 ?

Gnarl Factor: 76 ?

24.0km

1430m

1430m

1907m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Mountainous

Native bush

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

25%
10%
15%
50%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

8:00

Slow

6:00

Moderate

4:00

Fast

This circuit conveniently starts and finishes near the Bealey Pub east of Arthur's Pass, with plenty of action along the way to work up a thirst!
Start up the totally runnable, well-groomed track that leads 6km up to the Bealey Spur hut, with Power Stream on your left and the vast expanse of the Waimakariri valley and Arthur's Pass peaks to your right. From here carry on along trails up Hut Spur towards the tops which swing south-west and undulate their way towards a high point (1875m) overlooking Jordan Saddle.

Rather than going that way, continue along the ridge to the high point 1907, with great views, then start the untracked but easy descending traverse east along the top of a ridge that passes a delightful tarn (refreshing!). Power stream is still on your left and Bruce steam is on your right, and the route so far has involved a few bits of minor/easy rock scrambling, and is mostly runnable. Continuing on the top of this ridge, there's a couple of small climbs followed by a sustained descent down the aptly named Blind Spur. This leads into a section of beech forest, which is interesting and easy to move through but be careful to keep to the crest of the spur - there are NO markers, and only a faint ground trail in places, and you are still quite high (take a map and compass).

As you descend through this bush, avoid dropping leftwards towards or into Power Stream. Instead keep on the crest of the ridge. Near the confluence of Power Stream/Bruce stream a faint trail drops off to your right down into Bruce stream (if you want to avoid this bush section there's a scree-slide into the Bruce river higher up Blind Spur). Now follow Bruce stream which is very scenic and has a nice plunge pool at one point. You'll get wet in a few places too. Eventually you pop out on the highway and can repair to the Bealey Pub for some well-earned rehydration.

Panoramic views of the Arthurs Pass area/Avoca valley

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13 km

13 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

The bush section descending Blind Spur requires some care to stay on route (take a map and compass, also check it out visually on the way up Bealey spur).

Non-existent.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

Water at Bealey Hut, but after that there's none till you get down into Bruce Stream. Carry plenty of water.

Avoid after rain (Bruce Stream could be tricky in places). Also it's pretty much a fine-weather trip in good visibility, and as a run only between spring and autumn.

Bealey Hotel
Bealey
http://thebealeyhotel.co.nz
Beer and chips

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Trail Reviews

We had a perfect bluebird day and really enjoyed a trail that we had coveted for a while. Despite reasonable experience plus maps & compass we did end up in the Power stream just before the confluence with the Bruce as opposed to the other way around. No biggy just means a return visit or maybe mix it up by doing it in reverse!

Shane Fellowes

January 18, 2021

Lovely route up, stunning views fromThe ridges

Claire Hennigan

December 27, 2019

Thanks for the track description, have thought about doing this for a while. We had a great day out, stunning views along the tops. We did struggle a wee bit towards the bottom of the bush section, and ended up taking a dry creek down into power stream.

Steve Hanmer

January 27, 2019

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