Emerald Pool
Mount Richmond Forest Park
Emerald Pool is a swimming hole in the stunning Te Hoiere/Pelorus River, located a short distance up the Pelorus Track (Te Araroa Trail).
| Details | |
| Length | 3.5 km one way |
| Time Required | 1 hr one way |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Easy |
| Uses | Walking and trail running |
1 hr 30 min from Nelson
The beginning of Pelorus Track is located at the end of Maungatapu Road. On SH6, immediately west of the Pelorus River bridge, turn onto Maungatapu Road, and follow it for 14 km to the road end, where there is a parking area and sign displaying a map and track information.
Pelorus Track heads along the true left of the Pelorus River through native beech-podocarp forest. The track is tramping grade, and though it is mostly easy-going, there are places where you will have to clamber over tree roots and rocks. After 1 km a swing bridge crosses a side stream, Scott Creek, and after a further kilometre you will cross the boundary into Mt Richmond Forest Park. In several places there are worn tracks down to the river below, which flows with beautiful clarity and an emerald hue.
After 3.5 km a short side track leads to Emerald Pool. Note that you will likely need plenty of insect repellent as the sandflies here are in very healthy numbers. There is a picnic area inside the bush edge, where the sandfly population is usually lower than that of the riverbed.
Return the way you came.
