Makarora

Makarora is a tiny settlement nestled at the northern tip of Lake Wānaka, where the Southern Alps rear up in dramatic peaks and the Makarora River churns with glacier-fed clarity. This is gateway country – the last outpost before the Haast Pass tunnel leads you into the wild West Coast – and it thrums with a raw, untamed energy that makes it an essential stop for anyone driving the South Island's alpine spine.

Highlights & What to See

• Blue Pools Track: A short, easy walk through beech forest to impossibly turquoise pools. On a sunny day the water glows like liquid gemstones – a must-photograph spot.
• Makarora River: Cast a line for brown trout or simply watch the milky-blue water tumble over schist boulders. The river is a classic South Island fly-fishing destination.
• Young River Swingbridge: A photogenic suspension bridge over a deep gorge, reached by a gentle trail. It’s a perfect leg-stretcher with big views.
• Haast Pass Highway: The road itself is an attraction. Drive slowly to soak up the waterfalls (Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls) and ancient podocarp forest that flank the route.
• Makarora Wildlife: Keep an eye out for kea (mountain parrots) at the pass, and you might spot a South Island robin or tomtit in the bush.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through in a couple of hours – enough time for the Blue Pools walk and a coffee at the Makarora general store. But if you’re a keen angler or hiker, budget a full day to explore the river and side trails. It’s also a convenient overnight stop between Wānaka and the West Coast, with a handful of lodges and a campground.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wānaka: 60 km south – a vibrant lakeside town with hiking, biking, and the famous #thatwanakatree.
• Haast: 50 km west – the wild West Coast gateway, with pancake rocks, white heron colonies, and rugged beaches.
• Mount Aspiring National Park: Accessible from Makarora, this park offers world-class tramping routes like the Gillespie Pass Circuit.
• Lake Hāwea: A quieter alternative to Wānaka, with excellent fishing and a scenic lakeside drive.
• Rob Roy Glacier Track: A spectacular day hike near Wānaka that ends with a face-to-face view of a hanging glacier.

Please check official sources for current details.