Blue Pools Track: Hike & Complete Guide in New Zealand
If you’re planning a trip to the South Island of New Zealand, chances are the Blue Pools Track has already popped up in your research. Tucked away in Mount Aspiring National Park, this short walk leads you to some of the clearest, most striking blue waters you’ll ever see, and I think it’s an absolute must for first-time visitors.
The tricky part for travellers is knowing if it’s really worth the stop or the logistics in getting there. With so many hikes, lakes, and viewpoints, it’s easy to wonder if the Blue Pools will live up to the hype, or if it’s even going to be “That blue” on your visit.
Having been lucky enough to visit the Blue Pools several times over the past 15 years, I can honestly say it never fails to amaze me. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make your visit as memorable as mine have been.
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Where is the Blue Pools Track in New Zealand
The Blue Pools are one of the true gems of Mount Aspiring National Park, tucked between Haast and Wanaka along State Highway 6 or on the Haast Pass–Makarora Road.
They are famous for their amazingly-clear, turquoise-blue waters fed by glacial streams in the mountains. Out of everywhere on the South Island, I think the Blue pools are a must-stop highlight of any road trip.
How to get there?
Getting to the Blue Pools is easiest with your own transport or hiring a car, and this is by far the best option as it gives you the freedom to stop at other scenic spots along the Haast Pass.
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Thanks to the upgraded car park, a few small group tours and larger coach Day trips do choose to stop here when passing through the region, but it’s worth noting that the Blue Pools are rarely offered as a standalone tour.
Road tripping really is the way to go, even if you’re just making a day trip from Wanaka or adding to your Queenstown Itinerary, as it allows you to explore at your own pace and enjoy the countless waterfalls, lookouts, and short walks nearby.
Where do you park?
Conveniently, there is a car park at the start of the track, located directly across the road from the Cameron Flat Campsite. The car park here is quite large and has been significantly upgraded in recent years, a big improvement compared to the smaller, more cramped space that existed before.
Even during the busier summer months, it can usually handle a good number of cars, campervans, and even tour vehicles stopping along the Haast Pass.
Facilities are also on hand here, with public toilets available at the car park, which makes it a practical spot to take a break before or after the short hike. From here, the walking track is well signposted, making it an easy starting point for your journey to the stunning turquoise waters of the Blue Pools.
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How long is the Hiking Trail?
The Blue pools walking track is a loop of 3 kilometres or a 1-hour return walk and has an elevation gain of 25 metres.
Although it’s not very hilly, the path takes longer to finish than usual because you’re stuck admiring all the nature and seeing the local wildlife.
It’s mainly through a shady forest, but open sections can be in direct sunlight. The path is an easy, which takes you through an ancient forest and over the first swing bridge (Makarora River) after 1.3km.
Then follow the boardwalk for a few hundred metres, until you come to the second (and more famous) swing bridge that goes over the main section of the Blue water.
It’s pretty obvious how they got their name!
There are several lookout points, so make sure you explore around. But, more importantly, you can quickly get to the water’s edge to dip your feet in.
NOTE: There is a limit to the number of people allowed on the bridge at one time. Be prepared to wait or try and visit at an off-peak time.
Are there guided tours?
If you don’t have your own transport, another option is to join one of the one-way or multi-day tours that travel between Wanaka, Queenstown, and Franz Josef. These tours often include a short stop at the Blue Pools Track as part of the journey along the Haast Pass.
➡ Book tour to the Blue Pools HERE with Viator.
They can be a great choice if you’d rather not deal with hiring a car, and they also give you the benefit of a guide with local knowledge and insights about the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.
The downside, however, is that these stops are usually very time-dependent. Tours tend to keep to a strict schedule, which often means you’ll only have a short window to walk the track and enjoy the pools before moving on.
While it’s enough to get a taste of the scenery, you may not feel like you’ve had the chance to fully appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of the area. For those who want more freedom to linger, explore the surrounding tracks, or simply soak in the atmosphere, self-driving remains the best option.
If you’re staying in Queenstown, you can organize your own day trip to see them and other things in the area. I think it handy having a car in Queenstown too and you could make it worth your while with other activities.
FAQ’s – Popular Questions?
Why is it blue in colour?
The Blue Pools receive it’s deep blue from the rock flour found in glaciers. This refracts light and which gives the pools a striking blue colour.
They are known for their intensely blue waters, but no – they AREN’T always this blue.
For example, the rich blue hues will temporarily fade under a layer of BROWN tannin-stained river runoff, after heavy rainfall. The colour change initially appears alarming to those familiar with the famed palettes.
However, it typically returns to its dazzlingly majestic hue within a few weeks or a month.
Can you swim there?
Yes, you are allowed to swim, but remember, the water constantly flows from a glacier and is always FREEZING.
I’m expecting you would be crazy to jump in over winter, but I’ve heard of people doing it. It’s funny that I managed to dip my feet in the water during summer, and it felt like knives were piercing into my skin.
You can often see people jumping off the bridge into the icy waters below, not that I would recommend that. However, It’s supposed to be deeper than it looks, but much safer if you just walk in from the edge.
How cold is the water?
The water temperature is around 9 degrees Celsius or 48 degrees Fahrenheit (All year round).
However, because the water is glacier-fed, it consistently remains icy or intense for those not used to it. ( Yep – That’s me !).
How high is the bridge from the water?
Thinking of jumping in!
Well, before you do that, know that the swing Bridge sits about 14 metres (45 Feet) above the water. While that might not seem that high, you need to consider the depth of the water underneath.
On the other hand, people who are afraid of heights might need to contemplate the distance with a potential swing. Honestly, I consider this swinging Bridge, a relatively stable one, compared to others I have been on in the world.
In the end, know that you can still see the pretty blue water without walking on the bridge, it’s just a better view. But remember, this is also the second swing bridge, and you’ll need to walk over another one to get to the good spot.
Best time to visit?
I’ve visited the Blue Pools in March, August, and October, and I feel any time of year is an excellent time to visit. However, I’ve seen a few photo’s over the years where it becomes cloudy and dirty and believe heavy rainfall can affect how good or bad they will look.
So, before you visit, you might want to check the rain levels from the previous week and make your decision from there. Or you can always call the local Haast Tourist information centre and get up-to-date advice from them.
The Blue Pools can get crowded, especially during peak times. I recommend visiting in the early morning or late in the afternoon to help avoid the crowds and provide better lighting for photography.
Note: If you intend on swimming, then probably best to go in Summer between November to April.
Are there sand-flies around?
Yes, there are sand-flies around and be sure to take some bug spray if you’re planning to visit (Or jump n the water..LOL). The sand-fly season starts in early summer and ends at the beginning of autumn. Still, they also appear during winter if the weather is warm enough.
They don’t bite everyone, but keep your eyes peeled when exploring the pools. Be prepared, as it could save you from an uncomfortable time with all that scratching afterwards!
Note: Like most areas in New Zealand, Drones are not allowed at the Blue Pools
Where to stay!
The best place to stay if you want to visit without crowds is Makarora. It’s only a 6-minute drive from the parking lot and has everything you need.
Apart from that, if your already exploring the things to do in Queenstown, you can drive on a day trip from the busy tourist hub (2 Hours Away) or the small town of Wanaka (one Hour away).
➡ Find Queenstown Hotels HERE, or check at Wanaka HERE.
The Cameron Flat Campsite is the best option for campers. It’s operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campsite costs $10 per night for adults and $5 per night for children.
Other Things to do Nearby!
The South Island of New Zealand is an adventure-lover’s paradise, filled with rugged mountains, glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and unique natural wonders. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a hiking holiday, I find there’s no shortage of experiences waiting around every bend.
If you’re after the ultimate inspiration, check out my complete guide on the best things to do in the South Island, and read on for a closer look at highlights around the Blue Pools. This includes:
- Lake Hawea Lookout – A stunning roadside stop with sweeping lake and mountain views.
- The Wanaka Tree – New Zealand’s most photographed tree, sitting in Lake Wanaka.
- Thunder Creek Falls – A dramatic 28m waterfall plunging straight into the Haast River.
- Fantail Falls – A beautiful cascade where visitors often build stone stacks along the riverbed.
- Roaring Billy Falls – Accessible via a short forest track to a wide gravel riverbank with views of the falls.
- Haast Pass Lookout (1 hour return) – A rewarding short hike with incredible alpine scenery.
- Fox Glacier Glow Worms – A magical night time walk where glow worms light up the forest.
- Lake Matheson (1.5-hour loop) – Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
- Franz Josef Glacier – Multiple walking tracks or guided tours to get close to the glacier.
- Fox Glacier – Guided tours or scenic helicopter flights for dramatic glacier views.
- Hokitika Gorge – Known for its surreal turquoise water and swing bridge views.
- Greymouth – Coastal town with heritage sites, breweries, and access to the rugged West Coast beaches.
Other Hiking Trails in Mount Aspiring National Park
- Rob Roy Glacier Track (4–5 hours return) – Popular alpine hike with glacier views, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs.
- Siberia Valley (half to full day) – Can be combined with scenic flights or jet boat rides for an epic wilderness adventure.
- Aspiring Hut Track (4 hours return) – A classic valley walk through meadows to a historic hut with mountain views.
- Mt Brewster Track (8 hours return, challenging) – A demanding climb through forest and alpine terrain with incredible vistas.
- Cameron Valley Track (4–5 hours return) – A quieter hike through tussock landscapes into a glacial valley.
- Blue-Young Link Track (4 hours return) – Connects valleys and showcases alpine scenery.
Wrap up!
Thanks for reading this blog post today on finding the Blue Pools track in New Zealand and everything else you need to know. I hope you found what you were looking for, and don’t forget to check out some of my other New Zealand posts.
