Blue Pools Track

On the Haast Pass, the Blue Pools Track is a short, easy walk that delivers an astonishing payoff: water so clear and vividly turquoise you'll think it's been photoshopped. Suspended above the Makarora River on a swing bridge, you peer down into deep pools where giant trout glide over sun-bleached stones. The beech forest en route is rich with birdlife, and the constant rush of water sets a hypnotic soundtrack. It's a quintessential West Coast experience — wild, pristine, and utterly memorable.

Highlights & What to See

• The Blue Pools themselves — peer into the impossibly clear water from the swing bridge and spot huge rainbow and brown trout lazily circling below.
• The walk through silver beech forest — a 1.5 km (30 min) easy stroll on a well-formed track, with interpretive signs about the native flora and birdlife.
• Two swing bridges — the first crosses the Makarora River, the second gives the best vantage over the Blue Pools.
• Wildlife spotting — keep an eye out for fantails, tomtits, and if you're lucky, the elusive South Island robin.
• Photography opportunities — early morning or late afternoon light creates magical reflections on the turquoise water.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–1.5 hours for the return walk, including plenty of time to linger on the bridges and take photos. The track is short enough to fit into a tight schedule — it's a perfect quick stop on a drive over Haast Pass. If you're a keen photographer or want to simply sit and soak in the atmosphere, budget an extra 30 minutes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast — the nearest town, a former gold-mining settlement with a great little museum and the gateway to the Haast River.
• Thunder Creek Falls — a short walk to a 28-metre waterfall, just 6 km south of the Blue Pools.
• Fantail Falls — another easy stop with a pretty cascade, located about 8 km south.
• Makarora — a tiny settlement at the southern end of Haast Pass, with a café and basic supplies.
• Wanaka — a 1.5-hour drive south, offering lakefront dining, hiking, and skiing in winter.

Please check official sources for current details.