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Hike to Te Waihou Springs

Ngatira, New Zealand

3.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2.9 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josh Currie

If you're a fan of fairytale lands where colors, landscape, and nature don't exist in the real world, Te Waihou Springs is the closest you'll get to finding that.

There are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata. Though the entire 5 km track is absolutely stunning, the most popular section, being the Blue Springs, is less than a ten min walk from the lot.

The Blue Springs pool is absolutely out of a fantasy world. The water running through the river is the clearest and purest in all of New Zealand. It comes out from underground which makes it quite cold, but definitely still worth getting in. The clarity of the water displays the green moss and ferns floating in the current and the sand accents the blue tint in the water magnificently.

Along the walk you'll have views of the river, the pastures, and lush tree covered paths. It's hard to imagine that so much diverse ecosystems can exists in one location. Spend the entire afternoon here soaking in the sun and swimming from pool to pool.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

Awesome spot and nice walk from the bottom

Due to the environmental impact of so many swimmers, NZ officials closed the spring to swimming this past August (2016). The beauty was being destroyed. So you may go look, but cannot swim.

Awesome spot, the riverside walk is a easy one with so many beautiful sights, the water is clearer and a colour blue I have never seen in a stream in all my life. Well worth checking out especially if your going to the Hobbiton movie set.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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