Makarora

Makarora is a tiny, remote settlement at the northern tip of Lake Wānaka, where the Southern Alps rear up in dramatic folds and the Makarora River runs clear and cold. This is a place of profound quiet, of beech forests and braided rivers, and the gateway to some of New Zealand's finest wilderness walks. For travellers on the road between Wānaka and the West Coast, Makarora offers a perfect pause to stretch legs and breathe in the pure, mountain-filtered air.

Highlights & What to See

• Blue Pools Track – A short, easy walk through native forest leads to impossibly turquoise pools on the Makarora River; the swing bridge offers a classic photo op.
• Young River Walk – A gentle 20-minute stroll through beech forest to a stunning river gorge, ideal for a quick leg-stretch.
• Makarora River – The braided river itself is a sight, with its shifting channels and views of snow-capped peaks; keep an eye out for jet boats or kayakers.
• Haast Pass Highway – The road through Makarora is part of the scenic Haast Pass route, dotted with waterfalls, short walks, and viewpoints like Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls.
• Wilderness Jet – For a dose of adrenaline, a jet boat ride up the Makarora River offers a thrilling way to experience the remote backcountry.
• Lake Wānaka Lookout – Just south of Makarora, a short detour provides a sweeping view over the lake's northern arm.

Suggested Time to Spend

Makarora is best treated as a stopover rather than a destination. Most travellers spend between one and two hours here, enough time to walk the Blue Pools Track and grab a coffee at the Makarora general store. If you're keen on a longer tramp, the Young River or the start of the Gillespie Pass Circuit can fill a half-day. For those driving between Wānaka and the West Coast, Makarora makes an ideal lunch or photo stop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wānaka – A 45-minute drive south, this lakeside town offers cafés, galleries, and access to Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Haast & the West Coast – Continue over Haast Pass to explore the wild beaches, rainforests, and glaciers of the West Coast, about 1.5 hours west.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – The park's eastern boundary is just north of Makarora, with tramps like the Rob Roy Glacier Track accessible via Wānaka.
• Lake Hāwea – A quieter alternative to Wānaka, with excellent fishing and a scenic lakeside drive, 30 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.