Located in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand, Blue Pools Track is a natural wonder offering a majestic nature experience! It is a 3 km walk where travelers pass through the lush green forests and crystal-clear streams through swinging bridges and well-maintained pathways. The track culminates at the Blue Pools, where glacial waters create vibrant blue pools that are mesmerizingly clear. The contrast of the blue water against the surrounding green foliage is breathtaking, especially on a sunny day.
It's a great spot for a refreshing dip or simply enjoying the serene beauty. Best for people of all age groups and genders, if you love to spend some alone time in nature, it is a perfect weekend gateway destination! The suspension bridge offers an exhilarating touch, allowing travelers to take a dip into the natural beauty. The entire Blue Pools Track is surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks, allowing travelers to witness the magical sunrise and sunset views. If you are an adventure seeker, the Blue Pools Track allows you to hike in the pristine wilderness of New Zealand's South Island.
Highlights
• Enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset views from the Blue Pools Track.
• Stroll through the lush beech forest while enjoying the natural beauty.
• Immerse in the mesmerising views of the milky-blue glacial rivers.
• Immerse into adventurous activities like hiking and trekking around the Blue Pools Track.
• Taste the delicious food prepared alongside the Blue Pools Track.
How To Reach
By Car: Blue Pools Track is located around 139 km from the Queenstown city center. It will take around 2 hours 10 minutes to visit via the State Hwy 6 route.
Best Time To Visit
You can explore the Blue Pools Track all around the year.
- Best season: The best season to witness the beauty of the Blue Pools Track is during the winter season.
- Best day in the week: Weekends are regarded as the best days to explore the Blue Pools Track.
- The best time of the day: Blue Pools Track remains open all through the day. Plan your visit during the early morning to avoid crowds.
Other Essential Information
- Carry enough water with yourself to remain hydrated.
- Wear comfortable shoes so that you can cross the Blue Pools track
- Keep a pair of extra clothes with yourself.
- Wear comfortable and breathable clothes.
- Dispose of all garbage carefully to preserve the environment.
The Blue Pools
The Blue Pools themselves are the primary attraction and the culmination of the track. These crystal-clear pools, fed by the Makarora River, are renowned for their vibrant blue color. The clarity and hue of the water result from the glacier-fed rivers that flow into them, carrying finely ground rock particles that create a mesmerizing turquoise effect. Visitors can view the pools from a sturdy swing bridge that offers an excellent vantage point. The tranquility and beauty of the Blue Pools are especially captivating on a sunny day when the sunlight enhances the vibrant colors and the reflections in the water.
Swing Bridge
The swing bridge on the Blue Pools Track is an exciting feature that provides both a thrilling experience and stunning views. Spanning the Makarora River, the Bridge offers hikers a unique perspective of the river’s swift current and the surrounding forest. The gentle sway of the Bridge adds a sense of adventure, making it a favorite spot for photos. Crossing the Bridge lets visitors enjoy the amazing view of the area, including the thick beech forest and the tall, rocky mountains behind it.
Native Beech Forest
The track winds through a lush native beech forest, which is a significant point of interest in its own right. This forest is home to towering silver beech trees, with their characteristic smooth, light-grey bark and dense, green canopy. Walking through this forest offers a serene and immersive nature experience, with the forest floor often covered in moss, ferns, and other native plants. The air is filled with the sounds of native birds, such as tui and bellbirds, adding to the enchantment of the walk. The well-maintained path and boardwalks ensure easy access while preserving the delicate ecosystem.
Glacial River Views
Throughout the Blue Pools Track, hikers are treated to stunning views of the glacial rivers that feed into the Blue Pools. These rivers, with their distinctive milky-blue colour caused by glacial flour, are an impressive sight. The track offers several viewpoints where visitors can stop and admire the rushing waters and the surrounding alpine scenery. These views highlight the dynamic and powerful nature of the region's waterways, shaped by centuries of glacial activity. The juxtaposition of the vibrant river water against the lush greenery of the forest creates a visually striking landscape that is both peaceful and dramatic.
