Blue Pools

If you're driving the Haast Pass Highway, the Blue Pools are an essential stop that delivers a quintessential slice of New Zealand's wild beauty. A short, easy walk through lush native forest leads you to a swingbridge over the Makarora River, where the water is so clear it takes on an electric turquoise hue. The reflections of surrounding beech trees and distant mountains create a scene that feels almost otherworldly.

Highlights & What to See

• The Blue Pools themselves – peer into the astonishingly clear, icy-blue water where you can spot large rainbow and brown trout gliding beneath the surface.
• Swingbridge views – cross the sturdy swingbridge for a bird's-eye perspective of the river's braided channels and the vivid pool colours.
• Short forest walk – the 1.5km (return) track is flat and family-friendly, winding through silver beech and ferns with occasional glimpses of the river.
• Photography opportunities – early morning or late afternoon light casts a magical glow on the water and surrounding peaks.
• Nearby Makarora River – after the pools, explore the river's edge for a different angle on this dramatic landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30–45 minutes for the walk and time to soak in the views. It's a perfect quick stop on a road trip – you can easily fit it in between Wanaka and the West Coast glaciers without rushing. If you're a keen photographer or want to linger by the water, budget an hour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Pass – the scenic drive itself is an attraction, with waterfalls and viewpoints like Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls along the way.
• Makarora – a tiny settlement with a café and basic supplies, good for a pit stop before or after the Blue Pools.
• Wanaka – 45 minutes east, offering lakefront dining, hiking, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – continue west for glacier walks, heli-hikes, and hot pools.
• Lake Hawea – a beautiful detour for swimming, kayaking, or simply admiring the turquoise waters.

Please check official sources for current details.