Blue Pools

There’s a reason everyone stops at the Blue Pools on the Haast Pass Highway – this impossibly clear, turquoise swimming hole is one of the most stunning natural pools in New Zealand. Fed by the Makarora River and filtered through glacial gravel, the water is so pure you can see every stone on the bottom 20 metres down. A short, easy walk through lush beech forest leads you to a suspension bridge that offers a perfect vantage point over the pools, where you can often spot trout gliding beneath the surface. It’s a refreshing, mesmerising spot that feels like a secret – even though it’s right on the main road.

Highlights & What to See

• The walk itself – a gentle 1.5 km (return) trail through ancient beech forest, with ferns, moss, and birdlife along the way.
• The suspension bridge – the best photo op, looking down into the impossibly clear water as it swirls over rocks.
• Swimming – on a warm day, the water is bracing but inviting; the deep emerald pool is a perfect natural plunge.
• Trout spotting – rainbows and browns are often visible from the bridge, gliding effortlessly in the crystal water.
• Nearby Makarora River – just a short drive further you can explore the river mouth or try your hand at gold panning (a historic pastime here).

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate 30 minutes to an hour for the walk and a good look around – it’s short enough to be a quick leg-stretcher but beautiful enough to linger. If you plan to swim, add another 20–30 minutes. Most visitors combine the Blue Pools with a drive through Haast Pass, so it works perfectly as a 45-minute stop en route between Wanaka and the West Coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Pass – the scenic mountain pass itself, with viewpoints like the Gates of Haast and Thunder Creek Falls.
• Wanaka – a 1.5-hour drive east, offering lakefront dining, hiking, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Franz Josef Glacier – 2 hours west, where you can walk to the glacier terminal or take a heli-hike.
• Lake Matheson – near Fox Glacier, famous for mirror reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
• Makarora – a tiny settlement with a pub and petrol station, ideal for a quick bite.

Please check official sources for current details.