Hike to Te Waihou Springs

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.