Emerald Pools

The stunning Emerald pools is a section of Te Araroa trail that follows part of the Pelorus river up the clearing just before you head into the Mt Richmond Forest park.

This 2hr return track, although a tramping track makes for a fantastic day out with the family. After following the Maungatapu road 14km up to the end, you start the track following the Pelorus river down to the last clearing before heading up into the Mt Richmond Forest Park.

You follow the tramping track alongside the river, crossing small streams along the way. About half way to the pools you reach a small swing bridge to cross.
After only about 1hr you should reach the small clearing with a picnic table, down the sandy bank you can access the section the river called the Emerald Pools, which is easy to see how it got its name.

Bring your togs in summer and go for a swim, you can walk down by the river and explore along the rocks.
It can be a busy track in summer time so be aware of other people.
The track is about 1hr each way so 2hrs return, take a picnic and make a day out of it with the family.
The track is classed as a back country track, so be prepared to climb over some rock and river beds along the way.