Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway
Experience the surreal beauty of the Blue Spring, where crystal-clear waters flow through lush native bush. A truly magical natural wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the surreal beauty of the Blue Spring, where crystal-clear waters flow through lush native bush. A truly magical natural wonder.
"The water is crystal clear with the most beautiful shades of blue and green, and the walk along the river is peaceful and refreshing."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect mud after rain! Bring extra shoes or waterproof boots for a comfortable walk. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Toiletries
Toilets are available, but bring your own loo paper and hand sanitizer for a more comfortable experience. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Blue Spring
Central section of the walkway
Witness water so clear and vibrantly blue, it looks unreal. A truly mesmerizing natural wonder.
Te Waihou River Walk
The entire walkway
An easy, scenic stroll alongside a crystal-clear river, surrounded by lush native bush.
Pure Spring Water
The source of the spring
Experience some of the purest water in the world, filtered for decades through the Mamaku Plateau.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Track Conditions & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect mud after rain! Bring extra shoes or waterproof boots for a comfortable walk. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Toiletries
Toilets are available, but bring your own loo paper and hand sanitizer for a more comfortable experience. :toilet:
Allow Ample Time
The full walk can take up to 3 hours round trip, plus time to enjoy the views. :stopwatch:
Capture the Magic
The water's clarity and color are stunning. Bring your camera for incredible photos! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect mud after rain! Bring extra shoes or waterproof boots for a comfortable walk. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Toiletries
Toilets are available, but bring your own loo paper and hand sanitizer for a more comfortable experience. :toilet:
Allow Ample Time
The full walk can take up to 3 hours round trip, plus time to enjoy the views. :stopwatch:
Capture the Magic
The water's clarity and color are stunning. Bring your camera for incredible photos! :camerawithflash:
Check Entrance Status
Both Leslie and Whites Road entrances are open, offering different walk lengths. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway, describing it as a 'magical' and 'stunning' natural gem. The crystal-clear, vibrantly colored water and the peaceful riverside walk are major highlights. While generally well-maintained, some visitors note that the track can become muddy after rain, and advise carrying personal toiletries.
"An amazing walk. Took us 3 hours there and back with half hour for lunch. The river is crystal clear and the colours stunning - a hidden gem. The walk is easy a farm track and wooden walkway in places plus some stairs running alongside the river."
Alison Toia
"absolutely stunning! 🌿💧 The water is crystal clear with the most beautiful shades of blue and green, and the walk along the river is peaceful and refreshing. It’s the perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy nature. The track is well maintained and easy to walk, suitable for all ages.
Highly recommend visiting if you want to experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural places. Truly magical! ✨"
bansi patel
"The walk itself is great. It gets busy so if there's been rain expect alot of mud and bring extra shoes and/or clothes to change into if you're not waterproofed lol. There's toilets along the trail as well but the one in the middle of the trail about 3kms in is out of order. They also aren't maintained so bring loo paper with you and hand sanitiser should you need to go. Water is freezing if you dare take a dip."
Aroha Rose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The walkway is accessible from two main entrances: Leslie Road and Whites Road, both near Putaruru. Many visitors drive to the carparks at either entrance. Public transport options are limited, so a car is recommended for flexibility. The drive from Hamilton is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, both the Leslie Road and Whites Road entrances have carparks. The carpark at Leslie Road is often mentioned as having plenty of space and a public toilet.
While possible, it's challenging. Public transport to Putaruru exists, but you would then need to arrange local transport or a long walk to the walkway entrances. Renting a car or joining a tour is generally more convenient.
The 'beautiful part' is subjective, but many find walking further from the Whites Road entrance offers better scenic views. The Leslie Road entrance provides a shorter walk to the springs themselves.
The carparks are generally suitable for campervans, but it's always a good idea to check for any size restrictions or specific parking guidelines, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway is free. It's a public access area, allowing everyone to enjoy its natural beauty without an admission fee.
The walkway is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times posted, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight ensures you can fully appreciate the water's color.
There is no entrance fee to access the Blue Spring and Te Waihou Walkway. It's a free natural attraction for all visitors to enjoy.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted in the Blue Spring itself due to its protected status and the delicate ecosystem. The water is also extremely cold.
No booking is required for the Te Waihou Walkway. It's a public track, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full Te Waihou Walkway is approximately 10km (6.2 miles) return if you walk from one end to the other and back. However, you can do shorter sections from either the Leslie Road or Whites Road entrances. 
The walkway is considered easy to moderate. It's a well-maintained farm track and wooden walkway in places, with some gentle inclines and stairs alongside the river. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if it has rained recently, as parts of the track can get muddy. Layers are advisable as the weather can change.
Yes, there are toilets available along the trail. However, one toilet about 3km in has been reported as out of order, and they may not always be well-maintained, so carrying your own supplies is recommended.
Absolutely! The Blue Spring is incredibly photogenic with its crystal-clear, vibrant blue water and surrounding natural beauty. It's a popular spot for photographers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants directly at the Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway. You'll need to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to eat in the nearby town of Putaruru.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are several spots along the walkway where you can stop and enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the scenery.
Putaruru, the nearest town, offers various cafes and eateries. You can find options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before or after your visit to the Blue Spring.
While the water is exceptionally pure, it is not recommended to drink directly from the spring. It's best to bring your own drinking water.
You can purchase food and drinks in Putaruru before heading to the walkway. Supermarkets and local shops are available there.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Overcast days can also enhance the vibrant blue of the water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water's surface and enhance colors. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is generally restricted in natural reserves and parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. It's best to check local regulations or avoid flying drones in the area.
The water's intense blue color is due to its exceptional clarity and the way light interacts with the fine limestone particles suspended in it. The water is filtered for 50-100 years through the Mamaku Plateau.
The entire walkway offers beautiful vantage points. As you walk along the river, you'll find numerous spots where the water's color and clarity are most striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities along the track. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, as the path can get muddy. Consider the shorter walk from the Leslie Road entrance if you have very young children or limited time. The toilets are available, but it's wise to be prepared with your own supplies.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Budget-friendly tips: Pack a picnic lunch and snacks to avoid purchasing food at inflated tourist prices. Utilize the free parking available at the entrances. If you're traveling without a car, research bus routes to Putaruru and factor in potential local transport costs or be prepared for a longer walk.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours for the best light. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive beauty and a polarizing filter to enhance the water's color. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as even overcast days can yield stunning results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Blue
+1This exceptional clarity means the water is incredibly cold, typically around 11°C (52°F) year-round, making swimming an invigorating, albeit brief, experience for the brave. The constant flow of the spring ensures the water remains pristine, a testament to the natural processes at play.
Visitors often describe the water as looking like it's from another planet or a painting, a testament to its unique visual appeal. The surrounding native bush further enhances the scene, creating a tranquil and visually stunning environment.
+1Navigating the Te Waihou Walkway
+1From the Leslie Road carpark, a short, approximately 5-minute walk leads you directly to the stunning Blue Spring. This is ideal for those with limited time or mobility.
The Whites Road entrance offers a longer walk, and many visitors report that the scenic views become even more impressive the further you venture along this path. While the track is generally well-maintained with farm tracks and wooden boardwalks, it's important to be prepared for potential mud, especially after rainfall. Wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable walk.
A Photographer's Paradise
+1For the best photographic results, aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon. The softer, warmer light during these times can enhance the colors and create a more atmospheric shot. Overcast days can also be beneficial, as they reduce harsh shadows and allow the vibrant blue of the water to truly pop.
When composing your shots, experiment with different angles to capture the depth and clarity of the spring. A wide-angle lens is excellent for encompassing the entire scene, while a polarizing filter can help manage reflections and intensify the water's color. Remember to bring a sturdy tripod if you plan on shooting in lower light conditions or want to achieve silky smooth water effects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit