Blue Pools
Glacier-fed deep pools beside the Haast Pass road, with clear, brilliant blue water. From the suspension bridge you can spot trout in the river. It is a must-stop on a self-drive north from Wānaka.
Blue Pools lies inside Mount Aspiring National Park, about 75 km north of Wānaka near Makarora. From the car park on State Highway 6, a beech forest track takes about 15 minutes to reach two suspension bridges. There you reach the confluence of the Blue River and the Makarora River. Glacier meltwater and deep pools give the water its clear blue colour, and trout are often visible. The round trip takes about 1 hour and is free. In summer, some people jump from the bridge, but the water is very cold, so take care. Sandflies are common, so bring insect repellent. It is often combined with a self-drive over Haast Pass.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Thunder Creek Falls
- Puzzling World
- That Wanaka Tree
- Wānaka Township & Lakefront
- Roys Peak Track
- Rob Roy Glacier Track
- Cardrona Bra Fence
- Cardrona Hotel