Last Updated: 15th Nov 2023

Beginner

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Blue Pools Plus

Haast, West Coast

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 15th Nov 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Closed More info

The bridge at Blue Pools is closed long-term due to structural issues.

Please notify us if this has changed.

Grunt Factor: 17 ?

Gnarl Factor: 38 ?

14.0km

220m

220m

356m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Riverside

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

50%
25%
25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:40

Moderate

1:10

Fast

Follow the manicured tourist footpath from the carpark to the two famous swingbridges at the Blue Pools. Once you have taken in the splendour, carry on after the second swingbridge along the trail towards the Young River Valley - there is some magic undulating trail that is wonderful to run or walk on. The odd little semi-technical bit. You will come to some grassland which is where the formed trail stops for about 1 km, there are poles to guide you and a reasonably well worn small track through the long grass.

After the grass it is back into the bush and the wonderful trail is back again, over a couple of swingbridges and then another grass section, this time a more obvious track. Then it's into the forest again and you will come to the sign for Gillespie Pass Circuit Track. This is where this trail guide finishes, other than to tell you to re-trace your steps to the start. However, you will see on the sign it says "Young River Mouth 500m" and you may wish to do this... this section is very technical, climbing along the side of a hill on narrow tree roots, rocks and very slow going, plus a climb up a steep rock section using chains. This is not recommended unless you are experienced and not alone.

Blue Pools are world famous for their crystal clear water... and you get to see them twice!

Massive carpark (because tourists love it) with toilet.

71 km

50 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Non-existent.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map

A few streamlets, plus at the Blue Pools you can get right down to river.

Can get a bit muddy in winter but still do-able

Just a couple of small technical bits with rocks and windfall.

Trail Legend

BW

Brook Waghorn

has completed Blue Pools Plus once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Beautiful track to follow after viewing the blue pools. Suggest getting there early as very popular.
The track after the blue pools is easy to follow and mostly flat. As mentioned in the description there is a part where you can carry on with technical trails which leads to climbing up with a chain. Was very cool to do! Garmin Watch tracked me at 15km.

Zavana McAffer

April 21, 2023

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