Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Author Marios Gavalas, Rankers and hundreds of contributors bring you a free web map to help you get lost (and find yourself) in Aotearoa's nature.
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
Approx 2 km return | 30-45 minutes return
Exceptional water clarity and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spring. Look don’t touch! These waters are so pure even the skin oils of a human hand are considered polluting.
Pupu Springs (Te Waikoropupū Springs) is a short, interactive walk past historic gold working sites and a beautiful stream.
The Pupu Springs contains some of the clearest water recorded in the world - 63 metres horizontally.
A place of healing for Maori so respect and enjoy!
From Takaka take SH60 towards Collingwood.
After about 4 km, just after crossing the Takaka River, turn left onto Pupu Valley Road.
The springs are well signposted on Pupu Springs Road, where there is a big parking area and toilets at the road end, 3.4 km from the SH 60.
The track is exceptionally well maintained with bridges, boardwalks and plenty of metal. There’s an underwater viewing area so you can see just how far the clarity permits.
In 2017-18 a new study using the latest technology found the clarity of the water to give a visibility of 75m - up from 63m given 25 years ago. Over 1 million data points were used.
From deep in the limestone karst, the groundwater which has been in underground storage for several years, is eventually released at a balmy 11.7 degrees celsius. Flow rate varies between 5.6 and 24.2 cubic metres per second.
The spring is a karst resurgence and flows through Arthur Marble and then passes a through a basal grit of Motupipi Coal measures. This outcrops on the entrance road.
The ‘Main Spring’ is around 1.5 m wide and the ‘Dancing Sand Spring’ has several vents. The springs exhibit a twice daily fluctuation relating to the tides.
Few old podocarps grow on the alluvial sands of the area. Most vegetation in the area has been modified and is now a regenerating scrub of tea trees and broadleaves.
Huriawa is known as the kaitiaki (guardian) of the springs. She was summoned by the ancestor Rakaihautu to protect the spring. This taniwha is both creator of waterways and caretaker. Local iwi consider these waters as sacred. They are used for blessings and healing.
Takaka….Ta Kaka….The Caca…..Greek for dung or poo. And just nearby are the ‘Pupu’ springs - the clearest water in the world! Such is the play of language!
Feature | Value | Info |
---|---|---|
Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
|
Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay |
|
Categories |
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
---|---|---|
Track Length |
|
Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km |
Track Duration |
|
Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? ![]() 30 mins to 1 hour |
Track Difficulty |
|
Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easiest walk |
Payment Requirement |
|
Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? ![]() Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Large Vehicle Access |
|
Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
DOC Track Category |
|
DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? ![]() Easy access short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. Few or no steps or slopes. Suitable for people of all abilities and fitness. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required. |
Disabled Access |
|
Disabled AccessDoes this location provide disabled access? ![]() No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs. |
Crowd Factor |
|
Crowd FactorHow crowded is this place usually? Popular This place is often popular with other travellers. |
Track Managing Organisation |
|
Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? ![]() DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. ![]() |
Pure water and good walk, not long but nice.
Enjoyable walk in native New Zealand bush.
Is worth it if you are around the area.
Amazing!!
Idyllic springs with easy access on a flat path.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
---|---|---|---|
10/10 | 34 |
|
34% |
9/10 | 27 |
|
27% |
8/10 | 21 |
|
21% |
7/10 | 15 |
|
15% |
6/10 | 3 |
|
3% |
5/10 | 1 |
|
1% |
4/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
3/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
2/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
1/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
5.0/5
Well, that hasn’t happened to me before, 2 consecutive reviews 5 years apart.
Still a great place to visit. Disappointed with the dancing sands as we didn’t see it but perhaps they had an off day.
What I like about places like this is there is no entry fee unlike so many places in my country.
Reviewed 4 months ago
5.0/5
08Oct18.
The walk is like many others but the springs were what we went for. Last visited in 2014 and still as good. Fascinating to watch the water welling up and breaking the surface. So clear. Good viewing platform. Check out the Dancing Sand spring.
The boards at the start of the walk are interesting too.
We remember there used to be spring water on tap in the picnic area but it appears no longer the case. A pity.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
Gorgeous clear spring waters.
Easy access and trail. Must visit.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
5.0/5
Breathtakingly beautiful, the Springs are a sight not to be missed!
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
4.5/5
New Zealand's most clear water spring.
It is a beautiful place with a tranquil surrounding.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
4.5/5
Largest spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nice, easy walk (45 minutes), suitable for a buggy or wheelchair. Done it in the rain and was worth the detour. More impressive when the weather is good.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Nice and easy walk, you can see everything underneath this clear water, it is gorgeous.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Very nice short walk, very interesting springs.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Best to see when sunny, the water is so clear, the walk is not even 20 minutes but you can stay there and take pictures for such a long time and the Maori history gives it a special feeling!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
5.0/5
Amazing!!
Wonderful short walk, the colours of the water are just awesome.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
4.5/5
It is such a nice walk through the bush; the water is so pure and clear.
We would never see anything comparative to that before. It is just amazing and also for free.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
2.5/5
Lovely track but the Springs were not as spectacular as expected.
But if you are in Takaka then I would do them.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
Well, that hasn’t happened to me before, 2 consecutive reviews 5 years apart.
Still a great place to visit. Disappointed with the dancing sands as we didn’t see it but perhaps they had an off day.
What I like about places like this is there is no entry fee unlike so many places in my country.
Reviewed 4 months ago
5.0/5
08Oct18.
The walk is like many others but the springs were what we went for. Last visited in 2014 and still as good. Fascinating to watch the water welling up and breaking the surface. So clear. Good viewing platform. Check out the Dancing Sand spring.
The boards at the start of the walk are interesting too.
We remember there used to be spring water on tap in the picnic area but it appears no longer the case. A pity.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
Gorgeous clear spring waters.
Easy access and trail. Must visit.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
4.5/5
Largest spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nice, easy walk (45 minutes), suitable for a buggy or wheelchair. Done it in the rain and was worth the detour. More impressive when the weather is good.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Very nice short walk, very interesting springs.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Nice and easy walk, you can see everything underneath this clear water, it is gorgeous.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.5/5
New Zealand's most clear water spring.
It is a beautiful place with a tranquil surrounding.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Breathtakingly beautiful, the Springs are a sight not to be missed!
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
5.0/5
Amazing!!
Wonderful short walk, the colours of the water are just awesome.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
5.0/5
Best to see when sunny, the water is so clear, the walk is not even 20 minutes but you can stay there and take pictures for such a long time and the Maori history gives it a special feeling!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
4.5/5
It is such a nice walk through the bush; the water is so pure and clear.
We would never see anything comparative to that before. It is just amazing and also for free.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
5.0/5
Stunning!!
Only a short walk to the Springs. We arrived in the evening on an overcast day and the Springs did not disappoint. Kids loved it as well!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
5.0/5
Nice walkway, the Springs are really impressive.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.0/5
Idyllic springs with easy access on a flat path.
Good stories at the staff.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
Very clean and blue water.
And with the sunny weather it was even more beautiful.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
2.5/5
Lovely track but the Springs were not as spectacular as expected.
But if you are in Takaka then I would do them.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
It is such a wonderful place and spiritual place, because the water is perfectly clear and there is a beautiful forest.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
I could see the inside of the water.
The most clean water in my life.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
We can see beautiful and really clean water after five minutes of walking.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
Beautiful to see the water pumping up out of the ground, crystal clear water, a nice stop when passing by.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
3.5/5
Pretty but a little underwhelming, thought there was more to explore.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
The springs are amazing - so clear.
The colours from the water is great. It is a quick and nice walk.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
3.5/5
An easy 30 minute walk.
Very nice springs and the clearest water I have ever seen.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.5/5
This is a beautiful place, it is a short walk but it is magic.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
3.5/5
Very pretty but it was such a small walk to see the spring.
I would have liked to see more!!
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
3.5/5
Impressive transparent waters but the walk was too short.
There were too many tourists.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
Enjoyable walk in native New Zealand bush.
Crystal clear springs.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
Beautiful walk, short enough to do with a three year old and one year old - we even took the stroller.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
Nice walk, quiet, peaceful.
Beautiful spring with a very clear, blue water.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
3.5/5
Is worth it if you are around the area.
Short walk around the clearest springs I have ever seen.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016