Makarora

Makarora is a tiny settlement at the northern tip of Lake Wanaka, where the Makarora River meets the lake and the Southern Alps rise abruptly from the valley floor. This is a place of raw beauty – a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and a quiet stopover for travellers crossing Haast Pass. The air smells of beech forest and river stones, and the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water. It feels like a secret corner of New Zealand, perfect for those who want to step off the tourist trail and into wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Haast Pass Highway – The drive itself is an attraction, winding through ancient rainforest, past waterfalls like Fantail Falls and Thunder Creek Falls, and over the pass with views of snow-capped peaks.
• Makarora River & Lake Wanaka – The turquoise river and lake are stunning for photography, fishing, and jet-boat tours. The shoreline at the Makarora River mouth is a peaceful picnic spot.
• Blue Pools Walk – A short, easy walk through beech forest to a swingbridge over the Makarora River, where the water is impossibly blue. On sunny days, you can see trout gliding below.
• Young River Walk – A more challenging track that climbs through forest to a high tarn with views of Mount Awful and the surrounding peaks. Rewarding for fit hikers.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – Makarora is the northern access point to this World Heritage Area. Highlights include the Rob Roy Glacier Track and the Routeburn Track, both a short drive away.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through in 1–2 hours on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast, stopping for the Blue Pools walk and a photo at the lake. But to truly experience the area, plan a half-day: do the Blue Pools walk in the morning, have a picnic by the river, and then continue over Haast Pass. If you're a keen hiker, allow a full day for a longer tramp. Overnight stays are limited but possible at Makarora Motels or the DOC campsite – ideal for early-morning birdlife.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – 65 km south; a vibrant lakeside town with excellent cafes, the famous Wanaka Tree, and access to Treble Cone ski area.
• Haast – 70 km west; the gateway to the West Coast's wild beaches, the Haast River, and the Jackson Bay fishing village.
• Haast Pass – The scenic mountain pass itself, with multiple short walks to waterfalls and glacial valleys.
• Rob Roy Glacier – A spectacular glacier walk accessed from the Raspberry Creek car park, about 30 minutes south of Makarora.
• Lake Hawea – A quieter lake than Wanaka, great for kayaking and fishing, just a short detour off the main road.

Please check official sources for current details.