Putaruru Blue Spring is mesmerising. Visitors are entranced by the sheer volume of welling water. Gentle currents form blue ribbons with tendrils of green swirling freshwater plants. Photo opportunities galore against the blue / green water, hillsides and regenerating bush is a given. Putaruru Blue Springs is one of New Zealand’s premier scenic destinations.
Department of conservation closed until late 2024
- The springs flow at a rate of 42 cubic metres per minute.
- The Blue Spring could fill a six lane, 25 metre swimming pool in just over 12 minutes.
- Blue Springs maintain a constant 11°C year round and supplies approximately 60% of New Zealand’s bottled water.
- The springs origin is the Mamaku Plateau where water percolates through porous rocks taking up to 100 years to produce clear deep blue swelling springs.
- Look closely at the upwelling water and you will see trout nibbling on the delicious plant life, with open mouths snacking on water insects. The springs are a hotbed of aquatic activity. By the way no fishing is allowed.
Putaruru Blue Springs, Waikato how to get there
Putaruru Blue Springs & Te Waihou walkway
Where is Putaruru Blue Springs located?
Approximately 15 minutes drive from Tirau. Signposted from State Highway one. Cycling to Putaruru Blue Springs could be hazardous as it would involve travel on State Highway where there are no dedicated cycle lanes. Care is needed at all times. There is no public transport to the Blue Springs. No admission fees, Public toilet facilities.
Waikato Te Waihou walk
Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway has two major entrances. The longer walk, through farmland and regenerating bush is 4.7 km. The shorter walk is accessed from the Leslie Road car park and it is a 20 minute flat stroll to the springs. The Leslie Road access is wheelchair accessible.
Putaruru Blue Springs ban swimming due to concerns about water pollution. While the Springs are child friendly and most of the area is fenced, children must be supervised at all times as the boardwalk is not fenced.
Putaruru Blue Springs is a stop on the Central Geothermal Highway road trip. The Waikato, North Island New Zealand is also home to several world class activities from the Waitomo Caves to Hobbiton film set located near Matamata.
The Waikato with its regional centre Hamilton offers visitors a wealth of activities from ballooning over rolling hills to conservation visits to Lake Rotopiko where every visitor is a messenger about the importance of the environment.
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