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Hiking

Blue Pools: a forest and swing-bridge walk near Makarora

ReGear

Plan the 3.2 km Blue Pools return walk near Makarora, with swing bridges, parking, facilities, packing tips and clear regional and aerial route maps.
Swing bridge on the Blue Pools Track near Makarora.

Blue Pools suits a scenic stop with time to walk, rather than a quick dash from the car. The forest approach and swing bridges are part of the outing, even when recent rain has changed the colour of the water.

Quick walk details
Area Makarora, Mount Aspiring National Park
Distance About 3.2 km return, same route back
Time About 1 hour 30 minutes, plus stops
Effort Easy short walk; gravel, rocky patches and two swing bridges
Start Blue Pools car park, SH6

Where it is

Blue Pools location on real LINZ aerial imagery, with nearby settlements marked and north up.

Finding the start

The signed car park is opposite Cameron Flat, about 10 km beyond Makarora when driving towards Haast. Parking is free; toilets are at the car park. Bring drinking water. If using a shuttle, agree the exact pickup point and return time before leaving.

The walk, step by step

  1. Follow the signed path through beech forest towards the Makarora River.
  2. Cross the first swing bridge, then follow the track left.
  3. Reach the second bridge over the Blue Pools. Cross for gorge views, then turn back.
  4. Return by the same track. The Young River Link Track continues beyond the pools and is a separate outing.
Blue Pools walking route highlighted orange on real LINZ aerial imagery, from the car park to the pools bridge.

Tap either map to enlarge it. Distances and times above follow DOC’s route descriptions.

What to expect

The pools are usually clearest after a dry spell. Heavy rain can leave the water brown. Keep to the track and never jump from the swing bridges. Dogs are not permitted.

What I would bring

I’d bring grippy shoes, a light rain jacket, water, snacks and insect repellent. Put your phone somewhere secure before stepping onto a bridge, and leave room for people coming the other way. Keep a warm layer handy for a longer photo stop.

Plan the return as well

Allow time for the return walk as well as your onward drive. For a family outing, agree that the second bridge is the turnaround point before starting. If the group is already tired on the outward leg, turning around earlier is a perfectly useful option.

Before leaving, check the weather for your walking area and the latest official track alerts.

Maps, sources and photo credit

Checked 27 September 2026.

Maps: LINZ aerial imagery and Imagery Basemap contributors, CC BY 4.0, cropped and annotated. Trail geometry: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Photograph: Mike Dickison, CC BY 4.0.

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