Makarora

Makarora is a tiny settlement tucked into the northern end of Lake Wānaka, where the braided Makarora River tumbles out of Mount Aspiring National Park. It's the last outpost of civilisation before you climb over the Haast Pass into the wild West Coast. For road-trippers on the South Island's Great Coast Road, this is a perfect pit stop: epic mountain scenery, short walks to waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys, and a genuine sense of being on the edge of wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Blue Pools Walk – A gentle 30-minute forest walk leads to impossibly turquoise pools linked by a swingbridge over the Makarora River. On a sunny day the water glows like liquid sapphire.
• Makarora River – Pull over at one of the many gravel pull-offs to watch the river's braided channels shimmer against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. Excellent for a quick photo or a picnic.
• Young River Swingbridge – A short track from the highway takes you to a suspension bridge over the Young River, offering dramatic views of the gorge and surrounding beech forest.
• Fantan Creek Waterfall – A 10-minute walk from the road leads to a cascading waterfall that plunges into a clear pool – perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – The gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage area. Even if you don't have time for a multi-day tramp, the drive along the Makarora River gives you a taste of its raw beauty.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers only need 1–2 hours to stretch their legs on the Blue Pools Walk and snap photos of the river. If you're a keen photographer or want to do the longer Young River Track (3–4 hours return), plan for a half-day stop. Makarora itself has a small general store and a campground, but most visitors treat it as a scenic break on the drive between Wānaka and the West Coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Pass – The dramatic mountain pass that connects Otago with the West Coast. The drive itself is a highlight, with waterfalls and viewpoints at every turn.
• Wānaka – 60 km south, this lakeside town offers more dining, activities, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree. A natural base before or after Makarora.
• Haast – 70 km west, the gateway to the World Heritage Westland Tai Poutini National Park, with its glaciers, white heron colony, and wild beaches.
• Rob Roy Glacier Track – Near Wānaka, this challenging day hike rewards with up-close views of a hanging glacier. Best done with a full day spare.
• Lake Hāwea – A quieter alternative to Wānaka, with great fishing, kayaking, and a scenic drive along its eastern shore.

Please check official sources for current details.