Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Blue Pools Track

An easy forest walk over two swing bridges to river pools that run an extraordinary blue.

A short, well formed walk through native silver beech forest leads to swing bridges over the Makarora and Blue rivers, with the pools below. The colour is at its best after a dry spell and on a sunny day. It is a long drive north from Wānaka, so most people fold it into a Haast Pass trip.

Highlights

River pools that glow blue in dry, sunny weather
Two swing bridges with gorge views
Native silver beech forest and birdlife
Gravel path, easy enough for most ages

Good to know

Location: Blue Pools, Mount Aspiring National Park
Start point: Blue Pools car park, signposted from Haast Highway (SH6), 10 km after Makarora township driving from Wānaka
Duration: 30 minutes one way
Track length: 1.5 km
Grade: Easy walking track
Season: Popular year-round. The walk can get crowded, especially during the summer season (November to April). The Blue Pools are clearest when it hasn't rained recently, and on a sunny day.
Cost: Free parking, and bookings are not required
Family-friendly: Yes

The bridges were closed from May 2023 for safety upgrades and the track reopened in May 2025 after the work. The DOC page carries no closure notice as at September 2026, but check the DOC page before driving up, since it is a long trip.

Visiting from Sundale

The Blue Pools are a proper day trip north, signposted from State Highway 6 about 10 km past Makarora township. Most guests fold them into a Haast Pass drive rather than making a special trip out and back, so fill the tank, make up lunch in the communal kitchen and treat the driving as part of the day.

The walk itself is short and easy: 1.5 km and about 30 minutes one way through silver beech forest to the swing bridges. Parking is free and no booking is needed. Aim for a sunny day after a dry spell, when the water is at its bluest, and go early or late to miss the crowds.

It is busiest from November to April. The track reopened in May 2025 after bridge safety upgrades and the DOC page carried no closure notice as at September 2026, but it is a long drive, so check that page on the park Wi-Fi the night before you go.

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Questions

Do I need to book or pay?

No. Parking is free and bookings are not required.

Is the walk suitable for children?

Yes. It is an easy 1.5 km walking track on a gravel path with two swing bridges, about 30 minutes each way, and it suits most ages.

When do the pools look their best?

On a sunny day when it has not rained recently. The colour fades once the rivers are carrying rain.

Sources

Car park signposted from SH6 about halfway between Wānaka and Haast, 10 km after Makarora township; 30 min through silver beech forest to the swing bridge; easy and popular short walk; gravel path with rocky sections and two swing bridges; crowded November to April; clearest when it hasn't rained; free parking and no bookings required — source
1.5 km, 30 minutes one way, easy walking track — source

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