Wanaka To Blue Pools Scenic Drive | Blue Pools Track Walk | Lake Hāwea | New Zealand Driving Tour 4K

Wanaka To Blue Pools Scenic Drive | Blue Pools Track Walk | Lake Hāwea | New Zealand Driving Tour 4K

Join this relaxed summer driving tour from Wanaka to the Blue Pools, filmed on a calm, cloudy day — a perfect atmosphere for slow travel and immersive scenery in New Zealand’s South Island.

Video date: 18 December 2025
00:00 Wanaka to Blue Pools
37:07 Blue Pools Track

Begin on State Highway 84 from Wanaka town centre — this relaxed lakeside village is your launch point. Grab a coffee or breakfast at one of the lakeside cafés and enjoy the quiet morning vibe before heading out.

Just a short drive from Wanaka is Albert Town, a peaceful spot on the Clutha/Mata-Au River. It’s a good place to take in water views, watch trout fishing spots, or wander along the outlet river tracks.
Outlet Track: A flat and family-friendly path along the river — great for a stroll or bike ride before you leave town.

Continuing north on SH6 you’ll hug the eastern shore of Lake Hāwea — expect sweeping vistas of the lake against rugged mountains.
Lake Hāwea lookout spots offer photo ops across the clear, alpine waters.
“The Neck” is the narrow land between Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka — a dramatic landscape feature worth a quick stop for photos.
This lakeside route is one of the most scenic drives in the region, even under cloudy skies — the muted light can make colours pop in a beautiful way.

After The Neck, SH6 turns northeast and skirts the upper reaches of Lake Wānaka. Here the lake’s shore feels more remote and dramatic: forested hills, glacial rivers feeding in, and occasional glimpses of alpine peaks through the clouds.
This stretch is ideal for relaxed photo stops and nature appreciation — keep an eye out for birdlife or splendid views over the water.

About 70 km north of Wanaka, you reach the small rural settlement of Makarora — a gateway into Mount Aspiring National Park.
Makarora township is a good spot for a picnic, toilet stop, or quick visit to a café.
From here it’s only a short drive further to the Blue Pools car park.

Once you arrive at the Blue Pools car park off SH6, the Blue Pools Track begins — an easy, well-formed short walk through native forest.
Track distance: ~3 km return (about 30 min each way).
Difficulty: Easy, family-friendly, flat surface.
The trail winds through beech forest and crosses crystal-clear glacial water via suspension bridges before reaching the brilliant blue pools — ideal for photos or even (very cold!) foot wading in summer.

🚶 The video ends with a short walk tour on the Blue Pools Track, an easy and well-maintained forest walk leading to the famous crystal-clear, glacial blue pools of the Makarora River.
The Blue Pools Track was closed for around two years due to safety concerns, and reopened on 31 May 2025 after major upgrades, including a new and strengthened suspension bridge. The track is now fully accessible again and safer for visitors.

This is a chill, unhurried journey, ideal for viewers who enjoy scenic drives, gentle nature walks, and experiencing the South Island beyond the busy tourist pace.

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