Blue Pools Forest Walk

The Blue Pools Forest Track is a short and easy hike located in Mount Aspiring National Park near Haast Township, West Coast. This trail travels through a pristine forest to a beautiful river. The trail is mostly gravel but has a small section of boardwalk. This hike is 1.8 miles long and gains 207 feet of elevation.

This hike begins from a parking area off of Haast Pass Makarora Rd. There are bathrooms available at the trailhead. Begin hiking northwest on Blue Pools Track. You will be hiking through mature beech and podocarp forest. Along the way it is possible to see and hear many birds such as yellowheads, bellbirds, and fantails. As you trek amongst the trees parallel to the Makarora River, you will have periodic views of the river. This river is glacier fed. This gives it a crystal clear blue color.

The first 0.6 miles of this hike will be mostly uphill but the slope is very gradual. After this, contine downhill in the forest for another 0.2 miles. Here you will reach a swing bridge. Turn off the trail and head right. After about 20 yards, you will reach the banks of the Makarora River. You will have a terrific view of the river’s blue waters. You will also have a great view of the swing bridge over the river. This is the end of the trail. Take some time to rest up, and then turn around and retrace your steps to return to the parking area.

Mount Aspiring National Park is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The Blue Pools Forest Track is a great hike for anyone driving along the Haast Pass.