Guide to the Blue Pools Track

Why do people go to Blue Pools Track?

The Blue Pools are famous for their vivid, glassy colour created by fine glacial flour in the water. The track threads through native beech and podocarp forest, crosses two swing bridges, and arrives at a viewing platform above the confluence of the Blue River and the Makarora River. From here, you can look straight down into the pools, often spotting rainbow and brown trout resting in the slow, clear water.

Beyond the colour, the setting makes this place special. You are within Mount Aspiring National Park, with a soundtrack of birdsong and mountain water. The forest is home to a range of native birds, and on calm days, reflections of the surrounding peaks ripple across the pools. The walk is short, flat, and well-maintained, and is suitable for most fitness levels, though the swing bridges and steps mean it is not fully accessible for wheelchairs or some prams. It is also a popular free stop right off the highway that feels remarkably wild despite being close to the road.

 

How long should I spend at Blue Pools Track?

The track is around 3 km return and typically takes about one hour at a relaxed pace. Some brisk walkers complete it in around 45 minutes, though the Department of Conservation recommends allowing about an hour. It is worth allowing 90 minutes to two hours so you can linger on the bridges, take photos from different angles, and, if you are keen and conditions are safe, wander down to the shingle shore to sit by the water.

Many travellers pair Blue Pools with other short stops along the Haast Pass, so think of it as one key chapter in a half-day or full-day scenic drive. If you prefer quieter moments, aim for early morning or late afternoon outside of peak summer hours. Tour coaches and day-trippers tend to swell numbers late morning to mid-afternoon in summer, so arriving a little earlier or later can transform the experience.

 

How to get to Blue Pools Track

The Blue Pools Track begins directly off State Highway 6 on the Haast Pass route between Wānaka and Haast. From Wānaka, drive north on SH6 through Lake Hāwea and the Makarora Valley. The car park is signposted and sits opposite Cameron Flat, roughly 12 km north of Makarora township. It is about a one-hour drive from Wānaka under normal conditions, longer if you stop for photos at the lakes.

From the West Coast side, the Blue Pools make an ideal first taste of Mount Aspiring National Park when coming over the pass. Driving times vary with conditions, but allow roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Franz Josef and about 45 to 90 minutes from Haast Village. This is an alpine highway with winding sections, waterfalls near the road, and occasional one-lane bridges. Fuel, food, and services are limited between Wānaka and Haast. Top up in Wānaka or Makarora, carry water and snacks, and allow extra time for weather or photo stops.

 

Best time to visit Blue Pools Track

Blue Pools is generally a year-round stop, though the track and bridges have had temporary closures for safety or maintenance. Always check current DOC alerts and signage before you go. Summer from December to March brings the longest days and warmer air, with a better chance of settled weather, though rain is always possible on the Haast Pass. It is the prime season for easy walking, picnics by the river, and, for the brave, a quick dip. The water stays very cold even in summer, so plan to towel off and change into warm layers after swimming.

Autumn in April and May brings crisp mornings, fewer crowds, and golden tones in the surrounding forest. Winter delivers moody, snow-dusted mountain views and wonderfully clear air, but the days are short, and roads can be icy. Spring from September to November is a shoulder season with fresh growth in the forest and cooler temperatures. 

River levels can be higher after rain, and showers are more common, so pack a rain shell and sturdy footwear. If you want photos without people on the bridges, sunrise or late afternoon light works well in most seasons.

 

Weather in Blue Pools Track

The Haast Pass corridor sits on the edge of the Southern Alps, so the weather is changeable at any time of year. In the broader Wānaka region, summer daytime highs usually sit in the high teens to low 20s °C, while winter nights can drop toward freezing. Up on the pass, you can get sudden showers and gusty winds even on days that start fine, and mist can sweep through quickly after rain. Always check the forecast before setting out, then bring a spare layer just in case.

Underfoot conditions are generally excellent, with boardwalks and well-graded gravel, but sections near the riverbank can be pebbly and slippery. Wear shoes with a good grip, and consider a light jacket even in summer. In winter and early spring, be alert for black ice on shaded sections of SH6, particularly in the morning. 

If a front is moving through, be flexible with timing. The pools look brilliant under soft light, and a light overcast day can be just as photogenic as bright sun.

 

Best place to park your campervan at Blue Pools Track

There is a day-use car park at the Blue Pools trailhead on SH6, with bays that can accommodate campervans. It is usually straightforward to find a park outside of the busiest summer hours, but in peak season, late morning can fill quickly. Arrive early or later in the day if you prefer not to wait. There are basic toilets at the trailhead. Keep valuables out of sight and pack out all rubbish, as facilities are minimal.

Overnight parking is not permitted at the Blue Pools car park. For campervan stays, the Cameron Flat campsite across the road is a Department of Conservation site with simple facilities. It suits self-contained campervans and commonly charges a standard per-adult fee of around $15 per night, subject to change. It makes a convenient base if you want to wake up nearby for a quiet early stroll to the pools, or to continue exploring more Haast Pass waterfalls and short walks the next morning.

 

What to see and do at Blue Pools Track

The first swing bridge gives you an elevated look down the Makarora River, where you can watch the colour shift from grey-green to luminous blue as the Blue River joins. Continue along the boardwalk through the beech forest to the second bridge and viewing platform, which hangs directly above the pools. This is the classic vantage point for photos, with shingle beaches and braided water channels below. On still days, you might spot trout holding in the current or cruising along the edges of the pool.

 

Safety and track tips

The track is easy, but the environment is alpine, and the river is powerful. Obey the posted limits on the number of people allowed on each swing bridge. Keep a close eye on children near drop-offs and along the shingle shore, as stones can roll underfoot and make footing unstable. Do not jump from the bridges. If you choose to approach the water, watch for slippery rocks, avoid steep banks, and be aware that the current can be deceptively strong.

 

Scenic stops nearby on the Haast Pass

The Blue Pools are just one highlight of a superb alpine drive. If you are exploring by campervan, build a mini road trip with several short walks and viewpoints on the same stretch of highway.

• Fantail Falls: A quick stroll to a wide, fan-shaped cascade just off SH6. 

• Thunder Creek Falls: A 28 m waterfall with a short access track to a superb viewing area. 

• Gates of Haast: A dramatic gorge where the river thunders through bedrock below a highway bridge. 

• Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka lookouts: Pull-offs with sweeping alpine-lake views perfect for photos.

With a Britz campervan, it is easy to pause at these stops, brew a coffee with a view, and keep moving whenever you are ready. Entry to the Blue Pools Track is free, and no permits are required for a day visit. Plan your timing, pack a few layers, and make this a cornerstone of your Haast Pass journey.

 

FAQs and quick answers

1. Why is Blue Pools Track closed?
   It is not currently closed. DOC says the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges reopened on 31 May 2025 after major upgrades, following earlier closures for public safety work.

2. How long do Blue Pools Track?
   The walk is 3 kilometres return and DOC’s guide time is 1 hour return.

3. How to get to Blue Pools Track New Zealand?
   Drive along SH6 on the Haast Highway to the signed Blue Pools car park, about 12 kilometres north of Makarora and opposite Cameron Flat Campsite.

4. Can you swim the Blue Pools in NZ?
   You can, but the pools are glacier-fed alpine water and extremely cold, and the site is best for a short scenic walk and viewing stop rather than a swimming destination. Most visitors view the pools from the bridges and platform rather than swim.

 

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