Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Other
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.0%
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1:45
Slow
1:15
Moderate
0:50
Fast
I think, because of the varying terrain underfoot - open farm trail, gravel, boardwalk, bush, stairs and the odd stile or two, it's an excellent and easy trail for beginners and probably an easy flat out blast to stretch out the legs for more experienced Wild Things. The course follows the pristine waters flowing out of the the Blue Springs and there are many opportunities to pause and take a photo or read the information boards along the trail. Don't be tempted to swim though. This is now banned due to its effect on the water quality. 75% of NZ's bottled spring water comes from this spring.
Trail follows the river up to the Blue Springs so there are views of crystal clear water all the way, waterfalls, birdsong, bush cover. I even spied a small trout making it's way up stream ... and of course the obligatory pukekos and ducks. Awesome water source at the Springs (the turn around point).
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No public transport, but excellent parking at the Whites Road carpark. Easy, well signed walk down to the start of the trail.
4 km
4 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
This course is very well signposted and easy to follow but that river is so beautiful you might want to deliberately get yourself "lost".
Patchy.
Windproof jacket, Cellphone
Best water I've had anywhere. The water from the spring flows out at 11 deg in all seasons, and has taken 50-100 years to make its way out. Have a drink from the water fountain at the spring (turn around point) and make sure you have an empty water bottle to take back with you for the road trip home.
Could get muddy in places in winter, and due to the proximity to the river may be susceptible to flooding.
Farm animals, electric fences and the rare tree root. This is a very safe track.
Poppy's Cafe
Tirau
https://www.facebook.com/PoppysCafeTirau/
I've had a late lunch a Poppy's a few times on my way through. I only have good memories from those visits.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Te Waihou Walkway
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Such a beautiful trail. Mostly flattish and smooth but just enough in the way of tleoots, rocks and steps to keep it interesting while still well runable. I went at dawn meaning other than birdlife I had the trails to myself, but i imagine it can get busy and congested later in the day. Well worth the drive for the unique and special location.
November 28, 2020
Straight forward and good for the beginner like me to cut their teeth on. Lots of little ups and downs so nice to have changing terrain that is not challenging, but you can learn on when you're starting out. Went nice and early so there were no people. Will definitely do it again. Would be super stunning in the summer. Was a dull day when I went and the water was amazing. Can imagine what it would be like on a sunny day.
August 15, 2020
TF
Whilst it is a relatively simple trail to run its very tempting to stop and take pictures of the stunningly beautiful views along the Te Waihou River. Definitely plan to do this trail again!!
March 22, 2020
Simply gorgeous and perfect for a chilled out recovery run. The water clarity blew me away and I must've stopped more than 10 times to take photos. As mentioned by others, best to go early when the hordes haven't descended.
February 1, 2020
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