Makarora

Makarora is a tiny settlement on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, where the Southern Alps meet the rainforest and the Makarora River runs crystal clear. It's a quiet, dramatic gateway to the wilderness, offering some of New Zealand's most pristine landscapes without the crowds. If you're driving the Haast Pass, this is the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and soak in the raw beauty of the West Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Blue Pools Track – A short, easy walk through beech forest to stunningly clear turquoise pools. On a sunny day, the colour is almost surreal. Best in the morning for fewer people and better light.
• Makarora River – Great for a quick dip or a picnic on the riverbank. The water is bracingly cold but incredibly clear. Look for the swing bridge near the campsite.
• Jet Boating – Several operators run thrilling jet boat trips up the Makarora River into the national park, offering a unique perspective on the landscape and a chance to spot wildlife.
• Makarora Tourist Centre – A small museum and information hub with interesting displays on local history, including the early Māori pounamu (greenstone) trails and European settlement.
• Young River Walk – A lesser-known trail along the Young River, offering solitude and views of waterfalls and alpine meadows. Good for a half-day hike.

Suggested Time to Spend

Makarora is best as a short stopover of 1–2 hours if you're just doing the Blue Pools walk and enjoying the river. If you want to do a jet boat ride or a longer hike, plan for a half-day. Most travellers pass through on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast, so an overnight stay at the Makarora Lodge or DOC campsite allows you to experience the area in the quiet of the evening and early morning.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Haast – 45 minutes north, the main town on the West Coast, with the Haast River and whitebait fritters.
• Wanaka – About an hour east over the Haast Pass, offering lake views, hiking, and the famous Wanaka tree.
• Mount Aspiring National Park – The park surrounds Makarora; the Raspberry Creek trailhead for the Rob Roy Glacier walk is a short drive away.
• Haast Pass – The scenic drive itself is an attraction, with waterfalls and viewpoints like Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls.
• Lake Wanaka – Just over the pass, the lake's southern end offers quiet beaches and the start of the Te Araroa Trail.

Please check official sources for current details.