Blue Pools

Blue Pools is a set of deep, snow-fed pools on the Makarora River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Two swing bridges lead to the gorge, with the best view from the second bridge above the pools. I'd keep this stop if you have time for a walk, but don't count on bright blue water after rain; the color changes with the weather.

The track starts at the SH6 car park and takes about 30 minutes through silver beech forest to the first bridge over the Makarora River. From there it's about two minutes to the second bridge, which looks down on the pools and along the gorge. The return walk is 3.2 km and takes about an hour and a half. It's classed as an easy short walk, with a gravel surface, rocky patches and two swing bridges. For the Blue Pools stop, the second bridge is the payoff; beyond it, the track continues as the Young River Link Track.

The pools are fed by snow from the Southern Alps. After a dry spell and in sunshine, the water can look clear blue; recent heavy rain can turn it brown and muddy. If the color is the main reason you're stopping, take a look at recent conditions first. From the second bridge, frame the pools with the steep gorge walls; bright sun can bring out the clear water when conditions are right.

Silver beech, or tāwhai, is the main tree along the track, and bloodwood shrubs grow near the start. From October to January, red-flowering native mistletoe called pirita may be in bloom. Keep an ear out for the bellbird (korimako), grey warbler (riroriro), rifleman (titipounamu) and yellowhead (mohua); you may hear them before you spot them.