Te Waihou Rapids - Te Waihou Rapids

The place is very unique for its crystal clear aquifers and springs. The colour of the water is almost transparent and becomes even more enchanting with the variation in the weather and varying natural light. The walk way to the springs is a short one and doesn't require high fitness levels. The stream along the walkway makes for a very scenic experience. The Te Waihou walkway starts from Leslie road and ends at Whites road. Moderate fitness is required to complete some sections of the otherwise easy walkway. The Waihou river along side the walk way is a picturesque sight and enjoyable. The rapids make for a nice sight and a thrilling experience in the otherwise calm and scenic walkway. The either ends of the walk way are easily accessible by road and have decent number of car parking spaces. Although it can get really busy on weekends and holidays. Very highly recommended.

Beautiful place for New Zealand

Beautiful crisp water ?

I never expected my 6 year old would do this 10km walk.. the place is so mesmerizing she walked without any fuss

Flash back to my childhood! This stream is beautiful! We didnt do the whole walk, but you don't need to, even if you just want to walk down and experience the views. Must see!

We walked past the rapids along the Te Waihou walkway. The water ran faster and there was a waterwheel there which looked like was actually generating electricity. It was a bit hidden from the bush so you could hear it more than you could see it.

Great walk of the blue springs. Very easy 8k. Good for families. Good swimming area at the beginning of it

The walk to the Blue Spring along the Te Waihou Walkway is an easy 4.7km (one way) trail that took us around 3 hours there and back. The water is so pure it’s bottled and sold and supplies around 60% of New Zealand’s bottled water. We enjoyed seeing trout swimming in the crystal clear water as we followed the track alongside the river to the Blue Spring. The water has been filtered over 100 years which produces this beautiful blue colour and is super clear. You really have to go there to truly experience how stunning it is. If you want a very short walk, 15 minutes each way, then park the car in the car park down Leslie Road. The Blue Spring – Te Waihou Walkway is open all year round. We took our lunch and enjoyed the water views, but please take your rubbish with you. Although there is no swimming allowed at the Blue Spring itself you can swim at the Whites Rd end car park and along the Te Waihou river at various points. If you plan on trying your hand at fishing for those beautiful trout along the way, don’t forget to buy a fishing license. Quick Facts about this walk Location: Putaruru, North Island, New Zealand Distance: 4.70 km The time needed: 3 Hours Difficulty: Very Easy Mountain Bike: No Wheelchair Access: No Route: Double back Elevation: 144m Wet Feet: No Toilets: Yes, there are 4 toilets. One at Whites Road car park, two along the track and one at the Blue Spring. Dogs: No Camping: No camping allowed anywhere Mobile Coverage: No Last Updated: March 2022 We’ve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gear to bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. They’ll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 it’s only $5). Worldwide international shipping is available except to the USA. Bulky orders will be $20. Summary points about this walk Walk Highlights Crystal clear, blue spring water. You walk along the Waihou river all the way to the blue spring. It is also an enjoyable walk through the countryside. Keep an eye out for rainbow trout. Track Quality A well looked after track, very easy walk. Sorry no swimming at the Blue Spring. Hazards The Blue Spring is very fragile, and the clarity and purity of its waters sustain not only the Putāruru community but many others in New Zealand and the world. Transport No, you need to make your own way there as there is no bus service. Water No tap water, plenty of water in the Waihou River Driving Instructions The Waihou River is on the back road to Rotorua. Linking State Highways 1 and 5 in the South Waikato District situated off Whites Road. Blue Spring - Te Waihou Walkway is situated off Whites Road. There is limited car-parking. There is no shuttle service from Putāruru township or i-SITE. Shops & Restaurants Nearby 5.2 Km drive to Putaruru Area & Trail History The Blue Spring is only 5km North of Putaruru. Work started on the Te Waihou walkway in 1999. Over 400 students from the local schools in and around Putaruru were involved in planting trees on the Te Waihou Walkway. The water feeding the Blue Spring is from the Mamaku Plateau. It is only a short 13km stroll to the Mamaku Plateau but it takes the water 50 to 100 years to reach the Blue Spring. The 11 degrees celsius water flows at a rate of 9,240 gallons per minute. And as we all know, pure water is always blue.