New visitor experience at Makarora River's Blue Pools

Work undertaken by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in collaboration with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on a new track and carpark at the Makarora River's Blue Pools aims to make the site safer for the 90,000 visitors who enjoy the site each year.

DOC Central Otago Operations Manager Mike Tubbs advises “parking at the site was right on the main highway, with people crossing the road to access the track. This was a safety concern with 265,000 vehicle movements a year on the highway.”

The new, longer track will take people on a 1.5-hour return walk to the Blue Pools, adding extra interest to the walk, which is currently just 1 hour.

Tubbs notes the new track was constructed with minimal impact on the environment of the area adding “because we moved the track entrance to Cameron Flat, we were able to construct the carpark in an area that was already a modified grassland – avoiding felling of any significant trees or vegetation.”

The track has been constructed to minimise the impact of people who visit the pools. The extra length of the track will help spread the load of people who visit this site, as well as making a more substantial short walk. Toilets have been installed at the carpark, which will provide facilities for the public travelling the road between Haast and Wanaka.

More work will be done to remove the old track and carpark and replant these areas.

Image of Blue Pools Swing Bridge courtesy of Department of Conservation/Shellie Evans.