New Zealand Walk: Blue Pools Walk - Mt Aspitring National Park
- in Mount Aspiring National Park
Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, the Blue Pools in the Mount Aspiring National Park of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity.
Situated on the SH6 between Wanaka and Haast this is one of the Department of Conservation’s best short walks.
An easy short 3km return walk through mature beech and podocarp forest leads to these natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the mountains. Travel through open flats for spectacular mountain views and enjoy the coolness of the beech forest to a swing bridge over the Makarora River.
Continue on a boardwalk to the second swing bridge, which is the viewing platform over the Blue Pools. Cross this bridge for great views up the river gorge.
There’s a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if num
bers allowed have been reached.
Return to the parking area on the same track.
The Blue-Young Link Track continues on from the Blue Pools bridge.
Getting there: From Wanaka, drive north on the Haast Highway (SH6) to Makarora township.
Continue along the highway for about 12 km. The track starts from the Blue Pools carpark off SH6, opposite Cameron Flat campsite. From Haast on the West Coast drive south for about 72 kms on SH6. The carpark is on the right.
This is classed as an easiest short walk taking about an hour return. No dogs are allowed.
This walk can be a great stopping off point when driving from Wanaka through to the West Coast.