Place · 19.3 mi away
Overview
A crowd‑pleaser for good reason: Blue Pools is a quick, mostly flat forest walk to a series of deep, vividly blue pools where glacial water meets the Makarora River in Mount Aspiring National Park. The color pops on sunny days, and the elevated swing‑bridge and boardwalk give you those classic top‑down views.
The Walk
Plan on about 3 km return (roughly 1 hour) through mature beech and podocarp forest. You’ll cross a swing bridge over the Makarora, then follow boardwalk to a second swing bridge that doubles as a viewing platform above the gorge. Bridge capacity limits are posted—expect brief holds when it’s busy.
What Makes It Blue
That electric turquoise isn’t a filter—it’s ultra‑fine “rock flour” suspended in glacial meltwater. In bright sun the pools glow; after heavy rain they can run grey or milky until the sediment settles.
Practicalities
- Toilets are at the Blue Pools car park on SH6, opposite Cameron Flat campsite.
- No dogs. Drones require a Department of Conservation permit.
- From the bridge you can continue on the Young River Link Track, or pick up longer options from the same start if you’ve got extra time.
Wildlife & Conservation
Listen for the threatened mohua/yellowhead chattering in the forest canopy. Leave the stones where they are—rock stacking and moving riverbed material damages habitat and misleads walkers.
Safety Notes
The water is glacially cold year‑round; hypothermia is a real risk. Obey all signage—no jumping or diving from the bridges—and stick to calmer edges if you’re just braving a quick dip.
Best Time to Visit
For the best color and photos, aim for late morning to mid‑afternoon on a sunny day. To dodge crowds, go early or later in the day; peak summer midday sees the most foot traffic. Good news: the bridges and elevated boardwalk were upgraded and reopened on May 31, 2025, making flow on busy days smoother.
Pros
- Short, easy walk to striking turquoise glacial pools
- Swing‑bridge and boardwalk viewpoints made for photos
Cons
- Gets crowded; bridge capacity limits can cause short waits
- Icy water year‑round; not ideal for leisurely swims
Tips
- For fewer people, arrive early or after 3 pm; midday is busiest in summer.
- Blue shines in full sun; skip right after heavy rain when water turns grey.
- Bring insect repellent—sandflies can be active along the riverbanks.
- Don’t jump from the bridges and respect posted capacity limits.
- No drones without a DOC permit, and keep an ear out for mohua in the canopy.
