Discover the Allure of Te Waihou Blue Springs
Te Waihou Blue Springs, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, is a captivating destination known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant hues of blue and green. This natural wonder has gained popularity, particularly through social media platforms like Instagram. The springs are part of a scenic walk along the Waihou River, which meanders through farmland yet remains remarkably pure.
Walking the Te Waihou Blue Springs Track
The track offers a couple of walking options. For a shorter experience, you can start from the car park on Leslie Road, off State Highway 28, northeast of Putaruru. This route takes about 10 minutes to reach the Waihou River. If you choose to continue along the river, the track extends to State Highway 28, covering 4.7 kilometres and taking approximately 90 minutes one way. The path is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
The Unique Features of the Springs
The river's striking clarity and intense colours are due to the river plants and the spring-fed water that originates on the Mamaku Plateau. This water takes from 50 to 100 years to reach the river, contributing to its purity.
In fact, the springs supply around 60% of New Zealand’s bottled water. Along the track, you will notice a small pumping station. The area also supports a wide variety of native birdlife, although native forest and scrub are limited.
Points of Interest Along the Way
While the river itself is a major highlight, there are other intriguing sights. One such feature is Rose Milligan’s poem "Dust If You Must," part of a memorial to Linda Pearce and a reminder to focus on what matters in life. This can be found above the river under redwood trees near the Leslie Road end.
Getting to Te Waihou Blue Springs
To reach Te Waihou Blue Springs, head to the car park on Leslie Road, which is accessible from State Highway 28, northeast of Putaruru. This location is the starting point for the walk to the springs. From Auckland, the springs are a 2-hour, 184 km drive. From Hamilton, the drive is 54 minutes and 66 km.
Other places to visit around the region include Arapuni, the Waikato River, Maungatautari South, Tirau, and Lake Karapiro
