Exploring New Zealand's Pure Blue Spring

The clearest aqua blue water, green reeds softly dancing below and lush native flora framing the whole scene. Where am I?

If you answered Blue Springs or Te Puna you would be right on the money. 

Located east of Putaruru, a small rural township in South Waikato, the Blue Springs is home to the cleanest water in the world. It becomes this pure from the length of time it takes to travel from its source, an underground aquifer, to the surface. This being  50-100 years. During that time span, it travels through rock crevices, which effectively filters the water of any impurities, so what reaches the surface is pure blue clear water. 

The Blue Springs can be accessed either via White Road or Leslie Road. Leslie Access is a shorter walk to the springs, a short ten minute ramble, while the White Road access is a 4.7km track - along the Te Waihou Walkway. This is where you follow the Waihou river, through pastures and wetland - until you make it to the blue springs. But be aware that on occasion sections of this walkway are closed for timber operations meaning that you can not access the springs via this access during those times. You can find information on this online.

In the past, hundreds, if not thousands of people treated the Blue Springs like a swimming hole. Spending their summer, frolicking in the blue waters and generally having a good time. And as you would expect from thousands of people swimming, splashing and very likely peeing in the springs, the quality of the water drastically plummeted. The water reeds disappeared, the colours of the water dimmed, and the river banks were destroyed. Because of this, South Waikato Regional Council called for a ban on all swimming at this location. Since that ban was put in place, the springs have flourished and conditions have vastly approved.

When is the best time to visit?

Early or later in the day preferably on a weekday. The place can get very busy on the weekends, especially during the summer months. So, if you want this natural beauty all to your lonesome I would recommend going at dawn or dusk on a weekday. 

Are pets allowed?

No. For this walk, you will have to leave your canine or feline friend behind. You can tell them all about it when you get back. 

What about drones?

That would be a negative on that one as well, but you can take as many photos as you want with your handheld devices. Go wild. 

Is this a perfect spot for a picnic?

Yes. Firstly, because there is a picnic table and grass area perfect for a picnic with family and friends. And two, you have a beautiful landscape to stare at while you have some food. 

Is it suitable for wheelchairs and prams?

Yes, from the Leslie Road access. The path down is a wide gravel road. 

Toilets?

There are only toilets on the White Road Access. So if you are going from Leslie, have a toilet break at Putaruru before arriving. 

Cafe or Shops?

No cafes or shops are present here. So bring a water bottle and some snacks before you venture forth. 

Wildlife?

Ducks and shags like this spot, so you may see some mallards swimming peacefully in the springs. Shags often fly over to roost in the tree branches above. There are riroriro (grey warbler), piwakawaka (fantails), sparrows, and finches fluttering through the trees that border the walkway. Quails are sometimes present meandering on the path until they spot sight of you and will all proceed to fly off in a startled and slightly annoyed flock at your intrusion. Fish, such as trout, can be seen in the clear blue waters of the spring. 

What else should I know?

Just be aware that this water holds significance to local iwi, it is a taonga (treasure). So, please have respect while visiting. Do not swim in the springs. Do not throw things in the water. Take your rubbish with you. Do not light fires. Just use some common sense really.