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Blue Pools hiking trail near Wanaka New Zealand
A quick guide to visiting the incredible Blue Pools near Wanaka, New Zealand. A short but scenic walk along the Blue Pools Walking Track reveals a turquoise swimming area that is the perfect place to cool off near Wanaka. The Blue Pools of New Zealand have now become one of the country's most famous seaside resorts. Located in Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region, the Blue Pools make a perfect day trip from Wanaka or the West Coast. After we finished the Mount Fox Route sunrise hike, we were eager to clean up and wash off. Since we were going to Wanaka...
Blue Pools hiking trail near Wanaka New Zealand
A quick guide to visiting the incredible Blue Pools near Wanaka, New Zealand. A short but scenic walk along the Blue Pools Walking Track reveals a turquoise swimming area that is the perfect place to cool off near Wanaka.
The Blue Pools of New Zealand have now become one of the country's most famous seaside resorts. Located in Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region, the Blue Pools make a perfect day trip from Wanaka or the West Coast.
After we finished the Mount Fox Route sunrise hike, we were eager to clean up and wash off. Since we were heading to Wanaka, it made perfect sense to stop by the Blue Pools swimming area.
Here's a quick guide on how to get here and what to expect at Blue Pools New Zealand.
Are the Blue Pools near Wanaka?
New Zealand's famous Blue Pools are about an hour's drive from Wanaka on State Highway 6.
Technically the Blue Pools are not in Wanaka. The nearest town is 8 km away and is called Makarora. The blue river that feeds the pools has the same name.
Distance from Wanaka to Blue Pools
The Blue Pools are located approximately 72 km from the township of Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island.
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How to get to the Blue Pools
Unfortunately, the Blue Pools are some distance from the nearby tourist center of Wanaka. So if you want to experience the pristine turquoise mountain waters, you'll need transportation.
Below are some options to reach the parking lot. There are lots of signs on the highway and the parking lot is huge - you won't miss it.
State Highway 6 leads from Haast on the west coast back down to Wanaka. The Blue Pools car park is approximately 55 minutes (70 km) away.
As mentioned, you have to drive a similar distance of 72km from Wanaka to reach the Blue Pools.
Unfortunately there is no direct public transport from Wanaka to the Blue Pools. However, it is possible to take the bus to Makarora Country Cafe and then hitchhike or taxi to the Blue Pools.
alt=“MOUNT ASPIRING FROM THE BLUE POOLS TRAIL”>Mount Aspiring National Park from the Blue Pools parking lot
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Blue Pools hiking trail
The route starts right next to the public toilet facilities at the end of the Blue Pools car park.
The Blue Pools trail is considered one of the best and most popular trails in Otago. The mostly flat hike winds through mature beech and podocarp forest and crosses the Makarora River along two suspension bridges.
alt="Blue Pools Swing Bridge">
alt="Blue Pools swimming area">
RELATED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROYS PEAK NEAR WANAKA
Swimming in the Blue Pools
There are several options for a quick swim in the Blue Pools. In fact, just a minute or two along the trail there is a great spot on a quiet section of the river.
However, the best place to swim in the Blue Pools is at the pools themselves. The dreamy, blue glacial waters float under a picturesque swing bridge. On a clear day, the sun warms the slate mountain that surrounds the pool, making it the perfect place to lie down, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Be warned, the water is absolutely freezing! Still, swimming in the glacial waters of the Blue Pools is definitely something for the memory bank!
alt="Swimming in the Blue Pools New Zealand">
alt="The swimming area of the Blue Pools, Mount Aspiring National Park">
alt="Blue Pools near Wanaka New Zealand">
MORE THINGS AROUND WANAKA AND THE WEST COAST
I hope you found this quick guide to visiting the Blue Pools near Wanaka useful. If you have any questions or news, please share with other travelers by leaving a comment below.
For now, get more travel inspiration and ideas by reading more guides for things to do near Wanaka and the West Coast. Alternatively, start with this walking guide to the South Island's best hikes!
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