Blue Pools Track - Guided Walk

One of the most enchanting day walks in New Zealand

Blue Pools Track - Guided Walk

Nestled in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, the Blue Pools Track is one of the most enchanting walks in New Zealand, and our guided trip brings this special place to life in a truly memorable way. Just a short drive from Wānaka, this walk is an accessible adventure for everyone – a journey that blends gentle forest trails, crystal-clear waters, and the rich stories of the land. The track meanders through native beech and podocarp forest, alive with birdsong, until the trees open to reveal the famous Blue Pools. Here, the waters run so pure and vibrant they seem to glow, reflecting shades of turquoise and emerald that change with the light. Swing bridges carry you across rushing rivers and give you incredible views of glacial streams carving their way down from the Southern Alps.

Walking with one of our experienced local guides adds a depth that transforms this into more than just a walk. As you stroll, your guide shares knowledge of the area’s history, ecology, and culture – from the geological forces that shaped these valleys, to Māori legends, to insights about the unique plants and wildlife that call this place home. It’s a chance to connect more deeply with the land, while having the peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers, this guided walk is designed for all fitness levels. Whether it’s your first time in the New Zealand backcountry or you’re returning to explore again, the Blue Pools Track offers a rare combination of accessibility and wilderness magic. With fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and the expertise of a passionate guide, this is an adventure that leaves you inspired and refreshed, a true highlight of Wānaka.

Discover the magic of the Blue Pools Track on a guided walk from Wānaka, an adventure perfect for all ages and abilities. This gentle trail leads through lush native forest and across swing bridges to reveal the famous Blue Pools – stunning crystal-clear waters fed by glacial streams from the Southern Alps. Along the way, your guide shares local stories, history, and insights into the area’s unique plants and wildlife, enriching the experience. Accessible yet wild, the Blue Pools Track offers fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to connect deeply with nature on an unforgettable day adventure.

LOCATION

Wanaka – Makaroa  – Otago

Trekking Difficulty

The Blue Pools Track Walk is a beginner day hike – accessible to almost anybody from 4 to 80+ years old

It’s a well formed trail.

A possible extention to the mouth of the Young River with a total of 14kms return can be done according to the group level ( allow a 4 to 6hrs return trip from the carpark ).

Trekking Information

Walking Distance: 3kms return

Walking time: between 2 and 3hrs return

Vertical climb: Almost Flat

Lunch and snacks included

Equipement Requirements

Walking shoes

Waterproof Jacket and a warm layer ( Can be provided )

Day Pack and Water Bottle ( can be both provided )

Trip Info

LOCATION

Wanaka – Makaroa – Otago

DATES

All Year Round

DURATION

2 to 3hrs walk – day trip

TREKKING DIFFICULTY

Beginner

GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO  / GROUP SIZE

1 Guide for 6 people max

PRICE

Adult: NZ$375/pp

Child: NZ$235/pp ( From 4 to 14yo )

Minimum 2 Adults

Itinerary

The itineray may vary depending on the weather at the time of the trip.

Here’s a quick snap shot of how the day runs:

Depart Wanaka at 8:45am Pick up from your accomodation or at a meeting point on the Lake Front.
The 45min drive along Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka takes us just after Makaroa Town ship, a the beginning or Cameron Flat where we start our Blue Pools Track guided walk.

Soon after, we cross the bridge across the Makaroa River and enter into the native bush forest. 

After walking along side the river, we finally arrive at the Blue Pools and its bridge that allow us to have a great view on this magical water and rock formation.

A lunch at the river, more photos and wander around the native bush later, we return to the car park and start driving back to Wanaka, to be arriving by 3 to 4pm

Dates & Pricing

PRICE- Blue Pools Track - Guided Walk
Adult NZ$375pp
Child ( From 4 to 14yo ) NZ$235pp

Minimum 2 adults required for the trip to start

DATES

All Year Round

TRIP INCLUSION
  • Trekking Guide
  • Ground transport from Wanaka
  • Lunch
  • GST
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
  • Personal equipment
  • Appropriate hiking clothes ( can be arranged )
  • Personal Insurance
  • Cancellation Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Wanaka
Queenstown airport is the closest to Wanaka. There are regular shuttles which service Wanaka.

For shuttle and taxi information:

Ritchies Bus Shuttle

Taxi Roam Wanaka

What If the weather is bad for my trip ?
The Southern Alps in New Zealand is a worldwide desired climbing and skiing destination due to its remoteness and wilderness beauty. Windows of nice settled weather between fronts are oftern in place. But as for all mountain ranges in the world, the Southern Alps also has challenging weather. After all, it’s a long, high mountain range located on a tiny island surounded by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Pacific Ocean…

Summit Explorers Mountain Guides are well experienced in judging the weather and conditions to provide you the best possible trip. They will go above and beyond to make the trip happen. But sometimes, it’s out of our control, so  if the weather remains terrible and prevents the trip from happenning as originally planned, you will be offered a different location and/or climb. There will be no refund for bad weather and conditions. However, depending of the agreement and avaibility of the guide, an arrangment could be discussed to postpone the trip at a different date.

Should I get a trip insurance
We strongly advice that all clients purchase travel and cancellation insurance that specifically covers cancellation due to injury or illness as well as weather cancellation. This is highly recommended for all trips with Summit Explorers due to the nature of the trips we provide. We have a relationship with the provider Global Rescue which has  an option which includes a “Cancel for any Reason” policy. Rescue and Extraction is covered by ACC in New Zealand, however ACC does not cover for any trip cancellation. Insurance policy costs will vary based on age, duration of trip and coverage selected. . You can learn more and get a free quote here: Global Rescue by Summit Explorers
Summit explorers Terms and Conditions
Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page

Why Choose Summit Explorers

YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL GUIDING EXPERIENCE

Our Company and our incredible team of mountain guides are passionate, talented climbers and skiers who have a extremely valuable guiding experience in the New Zeland mountains and Internationally.
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SAFETY FOCUSED

Our number one priority is insuring that every body that join us on a trip, will enjoy a safe one! Certified Mountain Guides are trained to perform at the highest international standards of skills and safety.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Adaptative to your needs and dreams, always on the search to make your mountain journey a memorable one, that’s what we do and how we guide.

Book your Blue Pools Track - Guided Walk

Please choose the number of people you are booking for and an available date.

Maximum 6 people per day. Please contact us if your group has a greater number of people.

Bookings are open until 8pm the day before.

 

Please contact us if you have any questions about Blue Pools Track Guided Walk

Blue Pools Track - Guided Walk - Wanaka day hikes