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Makarora, Haast Pass Highway
3 km
1 hour
20 metres
If you are driving the spectacular stretch of State Highway 6 between Lake Wānaka and the West Coast, there is one stop that is absolutely non-negotiable. Tucked away in the wild heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, the Blue Pools Track is a short, sweet, and visually stunning walk that feels like stepping into a postcard.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a leg-stretcher or a family with little ones in tow, this trail offers a massive reward for very little effort. In just an hour’s return walk, you’ll trade the hum of the highway for the tranquil whispers of ancient beech forest and the sight of water so impossibly blue it looks like it’s been photoshopped.
The journey begins at the newly expanded carpark opposite the Cameron Flat campsite. From the moment you step onto the well-maintained gravel path, the "real" New Zealand takes over. The track is classified as easy, with a gentle 20-metre elevation gain that is barely noticeable as you wind through a lush canopy of mature silver beech and podocarp forest.
The air here is different—it’s cool, crisp, and carries that distinct, earthy scent of damp moss and mountain air. As you walk, the forest forms a verdant tunnel overhead, with sunlight filtering through the leaves in dappled patterns on the forest floor. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a rich tapestry of ferns and vibrant green mosses that thrive in this high-rainfall environment.
The walk is an out-and-back journey, covering a total of 3 kilometres. The path is wide enough for families to walk together, and because it is mostly flat, it’s a great option for kids who might usually complain about "another hike." About ten minutes in, you’ll get your first glimpse of the Makarora River through the trees. Its clarity is a sign of things to come, but the real magic happens once you reach the bridges.
The first swing bridge crosses the Makarora River. It’s a sturdy, wire-mesh structure that offers a bit of a thrill as it sways gently underfoot. From here, you can see the braided river system stretching out toward the mountains. Continue along the boardwalk—designed to protect the delicate root systems of the ancient trees—and you’ll soon hear the deeper roar of the Blue River meeting the Makarora.
The second swing bridge is the ultimate destination. It acts as a viewing platform directly over the Blue Pools, where the water slows down and gathers in deep, crystalline basins. Looking down from the bridge, the transparency of the water is disorienting; you can see every individual stone on the riverbed several metres below as if there were no water there at all.
Located at the well-signposted Blue Pools carpark directly off State Highway 6, opposite the Cameron Flat campsite. The carpark is newly expanded and offers free parking and public toilets.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Mohoua ochrocephala
Also known as the yellowhead, this small, insect-eating bird is a threatened species unique to the South Island forests.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2.8km away
Offering a full breakfast menu, lunch, and dinner, this lodge also features a bar with local and international wines and craft beers. It's a cozy spot with terraces and views, perfect for post-hike refreshments, though the cafe and bar may close during the winter season (April-September).
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Out and back
The undeniable star of the show is the intensity of the blue. The water originates from melting glaciers high in the Southern Alps. As the ice grinds against rock, it creates "glacial flour"—fine particles that stay suspended in the water. When sunlight hits these particles, it scatters the light, creating that world-famous sapphire and turquoise hue.
The Swing Bridges are a highlight for many. They provide the perfect vantage point for photos, but they also offer a sense of adventure. If you aren't a fan of heights, don't worry—they are very secure, though the gentle bounce certainly reminds you that you’re suspended over a wild river!
Trout Spotting is another favourite pastime here. Because the water is so clear, you can often see large brown and rainbow trout hovering near the bottom of the pools, seemingly suspended in mid-air. It’s a testament to the purity of the environment that these fish thrive here.
For those who want to get their toes wet, there is a small track down to the riverbank just before the second bridge. Here, you’ll find the famous rock stacks (cairns) left by previous travellers and a stony beach where you can test your bravery. A refreshing dip in the pools is a rite of passage for some, but be warned: the water is glacial and sits at a bone-chilling temperature year-round. Even in the height of summer, it’s a "quick in, quick out" kind of experience!
The Blue Pools Track is located near Makarora on the Haast Pass Highway (State Highway 6). It is approximately a one-hour drive from Wānaka or about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Haast.
The trailhead is very well-signposted. Look for the Blue Pools carpark, which is situated directly off the highway opposite the Cameron Flat campsite. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has recently expanded the parking area to accommodate the growing number of visitors, and you’ll find free parking and clean public toilets right at the start of the track.
While the water steals the spotlight, the forest is teeming with life. As you walk through the beech trees, keep your ears open for the melodic calls of the Bellbird (Korimako) and the iconic, boisterous song of the Tūī.
If you are very lucky and very quiet, you might spot the Mohua (Yellowhead). These small, bright yellow birds are quite rare and are the focus of intense conservation efforts within Mount Aspiring National Park. More common encounters include the friendly Fantail (Pīwakawaka), which often flits across the path to catch insects stirred up by your feet, and the Grey Warbler (Riroriro), whose trilling song is the soundtrack of the New Zealand bush.
High above in the canopy, you might see the heavy flight of the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon). Look for their white "singlets" and iridescent green feathers as they feast on native berries.
The Blue Pools Track is a true four-season destination, but each time of year offers a different vibe:
Best Time to Visit: To avoid the tour bus crowds and get the best light on the water, aim to arrive before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm. The pools look most vibrant when the sun is directly overhead (around midday), but the early morning mist in the forest is also something special.
The Blue Pools sit within Mount Aspiring National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. To Māori, this region holds great significance. The Makarora River was part of an ancient ara tawhito (traditional path) used by Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu to travel between the east coast and the west coast in search of pounamu (greenstone).
The name Makarora itself translates to "long river," and the area remains a place of deep spiritual connection and natural abundance. Geologically, the pools are a reminder of the massive glacial forces that shaped the Southern Alps. The sheer clarity of the water is a result of the rock being filtered through the earth and the pristine, untouched nature of the surrounding catchment.
Once you’ve finished your walk and snapped your last photo, you’ll likely be ready for a coffee or a cold drink. Just 2.8km down the road toward Wānaka, you’ll find the Wonderland Makarora Lodge, home to the Blue Pools Café & Bar.
It’s a fantastic, cosy spot to refuel. They offer a full breakfast and lunch menu, and if you’re heading back toward Wānaka in the late afternoon, their bar features a great selection of local craft beers and wines. The outdoor terraces offer lovely views of the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect place to sit back and reflect on your walk. Just keep in mind that the café and bar sometimes close or reduce hours during the winter season (April to September), so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re visiting in the cooler months.
The Blue Pools Track is more than just a walk; it’s a sensory experience that captures the essence of New Zealand’s wilderness. It’s accessible, breathtakingly beautiful, and a reminder of why we need to protect these wild places. Enjoy the journey!
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round