Ultimate Guide to the Blue Pools
Crystal clear and stunning blue water have made these pools a must visit! Although Aotearoa is home to many beautiful waterways, the Blue Pools in Haast Pass stand out with beautiful bridges, a perfect swimming spot, and an easy accessible track.
The pools are situated along the Haast Pass-Makarora Road (State Highway 6), which is a scenic highway that runs between the towns of Wanaka and Haast. The pools are about an hour’s drive from both Wanaka and Haast, making them an ideal day trip or a refreshing stop for anyone traveling along this route. Although these pools are always incredible, there are definitely a few top tips and good to know facts that can make your visit the best possible.
1. Is the water always so blue?
The water in the Blue Pools is so blue because it comes from glacial meltwater. The water is incredibly clear and reflects the sky, which gives it a beautiful turquoise color. The blue color is also caused by the way the sunlight interacts with the water molecules. So although the water here is always beautiful, it won’t always be blue! Heavy rainfall in the mountains around the blue pools can cause flooding and low clarity, making the water appear murky. To see the blue pools at their bluest visit on sunny days and when there hasn’t been recent heavy rain.
2. Wear sturdy shoes - I did the track in jandals and regretted it! Although the walk to the Blue Pools is short (1.5km) and mainly flat, it can sometimes be slippery and the experience will be a lot more enjoyable with a pair of comfy and secure shoes on.
3. Beware the sandfly! While you’re trying to enjoy the scenery the sandflies will be trying to enjoy you - avoid being their next meal by packing bug spray and avoiding the sandflies favourite times of day (dawn and dusk).
4. Feeling brave? Pack a pair of togs! Although the water is chilly, swimming in a crystal clear glacier fed pool is a once in a life time experience and you may as well bring a pair of togs for the occasion.
5. …just make sure to also bring a warm jumper for afterwards!
6. Pack a picnic lunch. The only place to stop for food between Wanaka and Haast is the Makarora cafe (which does delicious pies), but unfortunately they aren’t open all the time. So make sure you pack enough food for the walk and the drive.
7. Make the most of the journey! The blue pools isn’t the only beautiful attraction in the area, if you’re driving through to the West Coast or on a day trip from Wanaka make sure to check out the other wonders of Haast Pass.
Fantail Falls at the base of the Brewster hut track is another stunning site, and a very cool swimming spot. These falls are only 2 minutes off the road and have a series of pools you can climb up to and swim in.
The Blue Pools in Haast Pass are a stunning natural wonder that should not be missed by anyone traveling to New Zealand. With their crystal-clear waters and beautiful blue color, the Blue Pools are a sight to behold. Remember to wear comfy walking shoes and pack snacks, bug spray, togs, a warm jumper, and to stay on the designated walking tracks to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Beautiful photos taken by Paige Tregurtha