Last Updated on: 20 May 2025

Great news for Blue Spring Puparuru walkers!

Part of the track from the White’s Road end is back open. You can now walk for a 1.9km stretch starting at the White’s Road carpark. The council is still fixing up some of the boardwalk between Leslie Road and White’s Road. They’re aiming to have the rest of the track from White’s Road open sometime in the first half of 2025.  Check here for updates from the council.

Why walk the Blue Spring Putāruru?


There’s something truly magical about the first time you glimpse the Blue Spring. I still remember standing on the banks, spellbound, as the water shimmered in the sunlight, impossibly clear, like melted sapphire. You don’t expect a colour like that outside of Photoshop. The birds were chirping, the kōwhai were flowering, and I swear even the breeze smelt purer.

Tucked away just outside Putāruru in the South Waikato, this walk is ideal for first-timers and seasoned walkers alike. It’s short enough for a relaxed afternoon stroll but rewards you with scenery that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. And unlike many popular tracks, this one still feels wild and serene if you time it right.

“The Blue Spring has some of the purest water in the world, and this walk lets you trace it back to its source. It’s a living postcard.” – Sandra, walking specialist from Freewalks.

Whether you’re road-tripping through the central North Island, escaping the city for the weekend, or just need a nature fix, the Blue Spring delivers.

Clear water in the Blue Spring in Putaruru

🥾 Walk Overview

FactsDetails
Location:

Putāruru, Waikato

Nearest town:Putāruru (approx. 5 min drive)
Distance:4.7 km one-way (9.4 km return)
Time required:1.5–2.5 hours return (leisurely pace)
Difficulty level:Easy – Moderate (some stairs and uneven sections)
Track type:Out-and-back
Dog-friendly:No (to protect water quality)
Kid-friendly:Yes
Wheelchair accessible:Partially (from Leslie Road end only, short section)
Toilets nearby:Yes – at Whites Road car park and Leslie Road end
Best time to go:Morning on weekdays (avoid weekend crowds)
Are drones allowed:No
Are bikes allowed:No

🚗 Getting There

Car park location:

Parking availability:

  • Room for approx. 20–30 cars at Whites Road. Gets full on weekends.
  • Mostly unshaded. Free parking.

Public transport options:

  • Limited. Nearest bus stops are in Putāruru — local taxi may be needed.

Entry fees / permits:

  • Free entry. No permit required.
Clear water in the Blue Spring in Putaruru

🥾 Track Details

Track surface:
Gravel, dirt, boardwalk, and grass.

Track condition:
Well maintained but can get muddy in winter or after rain.

Elevation gain / steep sections:
Gentle slopes with some stairs (especially near the Whites Road end).

Fitness level required:
Low to moderate. Anyone with basic fitness will be fine.

Alternative routes:
You can walk one-way from Leslie Road (shorter, flatter 1.5km stroll to the spring) if you have transport arranged.

🧽 Navigation & Safety

Phone reception:
Patchy to good – better near the Leslie Road end.

Map needed?
No. Track is easy to follow with signs throughout. A map app like AllTrails is a nice bonus.

Common wrong turns:
Rare – it’s a straightforward out-and-back route. Just stay on the path.

Weather considerations:

  • Gets slippery after rain.
  • Exposed sections – can be chilly with wind.
  • Water levels can rise in heavy rain (track may close temporarily).
Clear water in the Blue Spring in Putaruru

🍽 Nearby Facilities

  • Closest café: The Cow Café, Putāruru – great coffee and cheese scones
  • Picnic tables / shelters: Yes, at both ends of the track. Grassy patches perfect for relaxing.
  • Family-friendly extras: Over the Moon Dairy in town does cheese tastings! Putāruru Timber Trail Gateway, great info centre nearby
  • Accommodation nearby: Budget: Putāruru Arms Motor Inn. Mid-range: Aramatai Gardens B&B (peaceful rural stay)

📍 Useful Links

5 Closest Walks:

  • Wairere Falls (30 min drive)
  • Arapuni Swing Bridge Walk
  • Tokoroa Domain Bush Walk
  • Waotu South Scenic Reserve Loop
  • Jones Landing Walkway (on Lake Arapuni) 
Clear water in the Blue Spring in Putaruru

👤 My Experience on This Walk

Date walked: April 2025
Weather: Cloudy with sun breaks – ideal walking temp
Track conditions: Slightly damp but manageable. Few muddy spots.
What I loved:

  • The colour of the spring. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
  • The gentle rhythm of walking next to the river, hearing birdsong all the way.
  • Stumbling upon an older couple having a thermos picnic at the viewing platform. Goals.

Unexpected moments:

  • A curious fantail followed me for nearly a kilometre.
  • A random gust of wind whipped my hat straight into the stream (RIP).

Tips I’d give:

  • Start from the Whites Road end if you want the full bush-to-spring build-up.
  • Go early in the day for fewer people and better photos.
  • Bring a spare pair of socks in case the path gets boggy.

🖋️ Final Thoughts

What stood out the most? The tranquillity. You don’t realise how noisy life is until you’re in a place like this, where the loudest sound is the river flowing and the occasional tūī having a gossip.

Who would love this walk? Everyone from families with kids to couples chasing Instagram gold, to solo walkers needing a mindful reset.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. I already have, and each time, it feels like the first.

Next time? I’ll pack that spare hat.

“We planned to stop for 30 minutes and stayed nearly three hours. It was that peaceful — and the water, just surreal.”
– Liam R., Auckland, walked January 2025

Look for trout along the way to the Blue Springs, Te Waihou River Walk

FAQs

Can I swim in the Blue Spring?
No. Swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the spring’s water quality.

Is it suitable for prams?
From the Leslie Road end, yes – flat and short. Full track is not pram-friendly.

Can I bring my dog on a lead?
No dogs allowed, even on-lead.

How deep is the Blue Spring?
Up to 15 metres deep in places, and visibility up to 63 metres.

Can I refill my bottle from the spring?
No – the water is pure but not treated. Best to bring your own.

Bonus Tip:

If you’re into night photography, come back after dark (only with a torch and buddy!) — the mist above the spring and total silence create an otherworldly experience. Just be safe and respectful.

See more of my walks in Putaruru