Blue Pool's hiking trail near Wanaka New Zealand
Blue Pool's hiking trail near Wanaka New Zealand
A short guide for visiting the incredible Blue Pools near Wanaka, New Zealand. A short but picturesque walk along the Blue Pools Walking Track shows a turquoise bath area that is the perfect place to cool down near Wanaka.
The Blue Pools of New Zealand have now become one of the most famous seaside resorts in the country. The Blue Pools are located in the Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region and are a perfect day trip from Wanaka or the west coast.
After we ended the Mount Fox Route hike for sunrise, we absolutely wanted to clean and wash off. Since we drove to Wanaka, it made absolutely useful to stop by the Blue Pools swimming area.
Here is a short guide on how to come here and what you can expect in the Blue Pools New Zealand.
Are the Blue Pools near Wanaka?
The famous New Zealand Blue Pools are about an hour's drive from Wanaka on State Highway 6.
Technically speaking, the Blue Pools are not in Wanaka. The next city is 8 km away and is called Makarora. The blue river that feeds the pool bears the same name.Distance from Wanaka to Blue Pools
The Blue Pools are about 72 km from the municipality of Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand.
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How to come to the Blue Pools
Unfortunately, the Blue Pools are a good distance from the nearby Wanaka tourist center. So if you want to experience the untouched turquoise mountain water, you need a means of transport.
Below you will find some ways to reach the parking lot. There are many signs on the highway and the parking lot is huge - you won't miss it.
from the west coast
The State Highway 6 leads from Haast on the west coast back down to Wanaka. The Blue Pools parking lot is about 55 minutes (70 km) away.
by Wanaka
As already mentioned, you have to drive a similar distance of 72 km from Wanaka to reach the Blue Pools.
Unfortunately there are no direct public transport from Wanaka to the Blue Pools. However, it is possible to take the bus to the Makarora Country Cafe and then hitchhike or taxi to the Blue Pools.
Alt = “Mount aspiration from the hiking trail of the Blue Pools”> Mount Aspiring National Park from the Blue Pools car park
Connection: Rocky Mountain summit near Wanaka
Blue Pools hiking trail
Hine length and back
Duration: 1 hour to swim)
The route begins right next to the public toilet facilities at the end of the Blue Pools parking lot.
The Blue Pools hiking trail is one of the best and most popular hiking trails in Otago. The mostly flat hike winds through adult beech and podocarp forest and crosses the Makarora river along two suspension bridges.
Alt = “Blue Pools Dreibrücke”>
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Connection: Everything you need to know about Roys Peak near Wanaka
swimming in the Blue Pools
In the Blue Pools, there are several options for a fast bath. In fact, after a minute or two along the hiking trail there is a great place in a quiet section of the river.
The best place for swimming in the Blue Pools is on the pools themselves. The dreamy, blue glacier water swims under a picturesque turning bridge. On a clear day, the sun warms the slate, which surrounds the pool, which is the perfect place to lie down, relax and enjoy the landscape.
be warned, the water is absolutely freezing cold! Nevertheless, swimming in the glacier water of the Blue Pools is definitely something for the souvenir bench!
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Alt = "The swimming area of the Blue Pools, Mount Aspiring National Park">
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More things about Wanaka and the west coast
I hope that you found this short guide to visit the Blue Pools near Wanaka. If you have any questions or news, please share this to other travelers by leaving a comment below.
For the time being, get even more travel savings and ideas by reading more travel guides for activities near Wanaka and the west coast. Alternatively, start with this hiking guide to the best hikes in the South Island!
My camera and photo equipment
- Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
- drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
- landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
- all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
- Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
- landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
- Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip
A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.
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