Bridge Jumping At Blue Pools in Haast Pass

4/03/2017Tiffany Hulm

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4/03/2017Tiffany Hulm

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Blue Pools in picturesque Haast Pass is only a quick trip from Wanaka or Queenstown. A short, easy walk and before you know it you’ll be jumping and swimming in the crystal clear blue water. This should definitely be on your NZ bucket list.

Highlights

The most breathtaking clear blue river and pool
Jumping (once you’ve checked it’s safe) from a swing bridge into ice cold water
Scenic drive past the lakes and admiring snow-capped mountains in the distance

Blue Pools At Haast Pass

If crystal clear blue water, bushwalking through native forest and leaping off suspended bridges into deep, ice blue water sounds like your kind of party – then I’ve got just the place for you: the no-nonsense named Blue Pools – located in New Zealand’s picturesque Haast Pass.

At the very south of the West Coast region on the South Island, just north of the Southern Lakes, this is a half day trip not to be missed if you’re staying in Wanaka, or even Queenstown.

Take the state highway 6 from Queenstown or Wanaka, past Albert Town and Lake Hawea, to a town called Makarora. Here you will find a busy roadside café and not much else. Head 10 mins further and you will reach a carpark and the start of the walk.

It’s a super easy, 20-minute walk to reach the two suspended bridges and that unforgettable inviting water! For those thrill seekers, my favourite part of the day was leaping from the bridge and letting the splash steal my breath away. (Do this at your own risk, and always check the depth of your landing before taking the leap of faith). With plenty of spectators cheering me on to take the plunge, I couldn’t back down!