Blue Pools Track
Haast Pass/Tioripatea
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
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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!
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Information
Blue Pools Track
1.8 km return | 1 hour return
Blue Pools are one of the most popular walks off the Haast Highway and with good reason. Pools derive name from the glacial flour suspended in the water which gives them a deep…..well….blue colour. Watch people bridge jump into the glacial waters or build rock stacks on the beach. Or knock them down - wherever you lie on this hotly polarised debate.
Walking Track
Access
Blue Pools are well signposted 9.7 km from Haast Pass on the Otago side. There is a hige parking area on the opposite side of the road to the start of the track.
Track
The track descends through sizable siverl beech forest to cross the Makarora River on a swingbridge.
The long boardwalk leads to another bridge over Blue Pools, or you can nip down the short side track to the beach.
Details
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Organisation |
DOC OtagoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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3.0/5
20April24.
The bridges are CLOSED. They have reached the end of their lifespan. There are signs to say so but no indication of when they will be replaced.
However, the walk to the first bridge is still available and is worth doing.
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4.0/5
The pictures don't do it justice.
The most amazing clear blue water. Take the track down to the rocks and build a cairn but watch out for the sand flies. Short walk from the car park and good chance to stretch tired legs.
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2.5/5
There are several trails here.
The pools are a touristthing and not very special. Swimable, not jumpable. Maybe after heavy rain or in spring. But please take the time to walk further (Young track) you'll pass two better swingbridges, beautiful divers scenery and no people. This one is about 90 minutes return.
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5.0/5
So gorgeous, so tempting!
Great swimming spot. It IS cold. Witnessed plenty of jumps from the swingbridge...not so keen on being introduced to the temperature of the water that way. A gentle dip can be had down below the bridge. Amazing place for rock skimming and stacking. Photo ops from all angles.
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4.5/5
Some great scenery, especially crystal clear water you can swim in.
Super cold but super worth it. Not a lot of other areas where you can explore the blue pools.
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3.0/5
20April24.
The bridges are CLOSED. They have reached the end of their lifespan. There are signs to say so but no indication of when they will be replaced.
However, the walk to the first bridge is still available and is worth doing.
-
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4.0/5
The pictures don't do it justice.
The most amazing clear blue water. Take the track down to the rocks and build a cairn but watch out for the sand flies. Short walk from the car park and good chance to stretch tired legs.
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2.5/5
There are several trails here.
The pools are a touristthing and not very special. Swimable, not jumpable. Maybe after heavy rain or in spring. But please take the time to walk further (Young track) you'll pass two better swingbridges, beautiful divers scenery and no people. This one is about 90 minutes return.
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5.0/5
So gorgeous, so tempting!
Great swimming spot. It IS cold. Witnessed plenty of jumps from the swingbridge...not so keen on being introduced to the temperature of the water that way. A gentle dip can be had down below the bridge. Amazing place for rock skimming and stacking. Photo ops from all angles.
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4.5/5
Some great scenery, especially crystal clear water you can swim in.
Super cold but super worth it. Not a lot of other areas where you can explore the blue pools.
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3.0/5
Walk towards the Blue Pools was nice despite the many sandflies.
However, in December, the pools are greenish and not blue. Furthermore, the pools are more half circles in the river edges.
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4.0/5
You walk through a nice little forest until you get to the river with beautiful blue water, it is worth a stop if you are on the Haast Road.
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4.5/5
Short and easy walk from the parking, well signed, great place to visit, beautiful!
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3.5/5
Very touristy, free, not a tramp but well formed tracks.
Beautiful place but lots of people.
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4.5/5
Nice short walk if you need a break.
Beautiful clear water, but ice cold. A lot of sandflies!
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4.5/5
One of the most beautiful places to swim (in my opinion).
Stunningly clear water and a bridge to jump off.
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3.5/5
Really cool bridges on this walk, and beautiful views of the blue river!
Also, cool rock riverside with flat rocks excellent for stacking which many have done!
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5.0/5
Great 30 minute walk to wonderful pools through rainforest.
Able to take the kids stroller!
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4.0/5
Nice short walk, maybe 20 minutes to a stunning location.
Opportunities to swim or just enjoy the view.
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4.5/5
Incredibly blue water.
Possible to jump from the bridge. Nice location. Stone beach in the sun to spend time.
