Blue Pools Track

There's a reason the Blue Pools Track is one of the most beloved short walks on the West Coast. It's not just the jaw-dropping clarity of the water—a surreal, electric turquoise that seems to glow from within—but the entire journey through ancient beech forest. The track leads you across a swingbridge and along the Makarora River to a series of deep, translucent pools fed by glacial melt. On a sunny day, the contrast between the white river stones, the emerald foliage, and the impossibly blue water is almost hallucinatory. It's a quick, easy walk that delivers an outsize reward, perfect for breaking up a long drive or stretching your legs after a morning on the road.

Highlights & What to See

• The Pools Themselves: Peer into the crystal-clear water to see massive trout gliding over the rocky bottom—the visibility is often 10 metres or more.
• Swingbridge Crossings: Two narrow suspension bridges offer thrilling views over the rushing river and a chance to spot kayakers below.
• Beech Forest Walk: The 20-minute stroll is lined with silver beech, ferns, and mossy boulders; listen for bellbirds and fantails.
• Photography at Golden Hour: Late afternoon sunlight turns the water a deeper sapphire and casts long shadows through the trees.
• River Flats: Near the pools, wide shingle banks are perfect for a picnic or a quick dip (though the water is bracingly cold).

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour, including the 20-minute walk each way and time to linger at the pools. If you want to swim, find a quiet spot, or simply soak in the scenery, allow 90 minutes. The track is short and flat, making it an ideal pit stop—you can easily fit it into a half-day of driving between Wanaka and the West Coast. Early morning or late afternoon are best to avoid crowds and catch the light at its most magical.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Makarora: A tiny settlement with a café and general store, just a few minutes north—great for a coffee or ice cream after the walk.
• Haast Pass: The scenic highway over the Southern Alps, dotted with waterfalls, short walks, and viewpoints like Thunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls.
• Wanaka: A 90-minute drive east, this lakeside town offers dining, wineries, and adventure activities—a natural end point for a day trip from the coast.
• Jackson Bay: A remote coastal settlement with a historic wharf and a food truck serving fresh blue cod and chips; about 20 minutes west.
• Haast: The main service town of the region, with accommodation, a supermarket, and the informative Haast Visitor Centre.

Please check official sources for current details.