Blue Pools Track

The Blue Pools Track is a short, easy walk through native beech forest to the stunningly clear, turquoise waters of the Blue Pools. Located between Makarora and Haast Pass on the West Coast, this track offers a quintessential New Zealand wilderness experience without requiring a major time commitment. The vibrant blue hue of the water, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and river stones, is mesmerising. It's a perfect stop for a refreshing leg-stretch on a South Island road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• The Blue Pools themselves – crystal-clear, deep blue water fed by the Makarora River. On a sunny day, the colour is electric.
• Swing bridge – cross the Makarora River on a gentle swing bridge for the best views of the pools and surrounding mountains.
• Beech forest walk – a 15-minute stroll through mossy silver beech and red beech trees, with birdlife including fantails and bellbirds.
• Mountain views – from the bridge and pools, look up to see the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the return walk and time to soak in the views. The track is only 1.5 km (0.9 miles) each way, mostly flat, and suitable for all fitness levels. It's best done as a quick stop on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast, or as part of a day exploring Haast Pass. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography and fewer crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast Pass – the scenic mountain pass drive with several short walks and waterfalls, including Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls.
• Makarora – a small settlement with a café and the starting point for jet boat trips into the Makarora River valley.
• Wanaka – about an hour's drive east, this lakeside town offers adventure activities, dining, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers – a 2-hour drive west, these glaciers are a must-see for ice hikes and heli-tours.

Please check official sources for current details.