Blue Pools in the Sprinkling Rain
WONDERLAND TO FAIRYLAND
On our way from Milford Sound, we wound through Mt Aspiring National Park on a misty morning. We were a little heartbroken to leave that wonderland, but we had a feeling we were heading towards a place that is just as, if not more, magical. We were finally going to do the Blue Pools walk.
Upon arrival, it was immediately obvious just how mystical this gem is. We pulled up to a light, sprinkling rain that cast a wondrous shimmer through the air as the speckles of sunlight caught it. Parking in what is surely one of the loveliest car parks we've seen yet (minus the trash by the toilet block...come on, people, do better), we grabbed our jackets, phones and keys and began to walk into fairyland.
The Blue Pools were one of the spots that we knew we had to tick off on this trip. Just an hour away from Wanaka, the blue pools of Makarora River draw thousands of visitors each year, both from locals and travellers from around the world. Seeing the pure glacial waters create the most seamless blue tones, perfectly set amid the vibrant greens of the forest, is such a huge bucket list tick.
Home to beech and podocarp forests and sweeping, crystal-clear waters of pristine azure and turquoise blues, this stunning walk weaves across swing bridges, boardwalks and raw stone. It gives you the innate sense of being immersed in the forest itself.
WHERE LIFE UNFURLS
The clouds parted just enough for shimmering sunlight to break through as we walked. There weren't that many other people around, and the dense forest surrounded us, welcoming us. There were many moments when all we could hear was the falling rain, bird song and our own footfalls. Seeing moss cover the ground, the rocks and the trees added a peaceful, quiet hue. The perfect atmosphere for magic.
We took our time, navigating around the twisting and turning pathway, occasionally stopping to take a closer look at different plants and small creatures. It was an easy walk through the forest, hearing the water falling from the sky. And then we could hear the water rushing by in the stream. We got to the first swing bridge and, waiting for people from the opposite side to cross, got some shots of the landscape.
Even on an overcast day, the vibrant blue of the water was stunning (we'll definitely be back on a sunnier day some time). And honestly? I'm happy we ended up going on a rainy day. It felt quieter, more tranquil. We really felt like we got to explore it in a more personal way. It's one of those places that you could easily spend a week immersing yourself in, and still feel like you didn't have long enough.
'Only a few find the way, some don’t recognise it when they do—some…don’t ever want to.'
— Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
A SPECTACULAR WALK THROUGH THE FOREST
We were kicking ourselves for leaving our swimmers in the van, because we wanted to swim, but even so it was such a lovely way to spend the afternoon. On the other side of the swing bridge, the wooden deck pathway wove through beautiful plants. The most vibrant, stunning shades of green gave way to views of that spectacular icy blue. It almost stuns you into silence.
The threatened yellowhead (or, mohua) can often be heard in the canopy. As we walked, bird song and rushing water and the crisp air felt calming and energising at the same time. Seeing growing ferns begin to unfurl, birds glide through the treetops and leaves float on the surface of the water felt like walking through a bit of a dream.
A chill 3km round track, this walk is truly enchanting, especially when sparkling rain drops add a glistening layer to the experience that leaves you feeling grateful and peaceful. We'll be sad to leave New Zealand, and jewels like this one are one of the biggest reasons why. We can't wait to go back and experience this place in sunny weather.
