For my first birthday back in New Zealand, I wanted to do just one thing…visit the Blue Springs near Putaruru and this birthday girl received her birthday wish…no presents just a walk along the Te Waihou Walkway.
The Blue Springs are located in the Waikato Region and a great place to stop off for a walk if you’re on your way between Auckland and Rotorua or maybe you’re just looking for a nice day trip from Auckland then this little walk is a ripper.
Lisa and I started our walk from the carpark on Whites Road along the Te Waihou Walkway which follows the Waihou River and local farmland…
…the first section of the hike is quite open so make sure you’re wearing a hat and suncream and carrying water…
…while it’s quite flat…you’ll break a sweat…
…nothing like glowing skin and the sound of cicadas to celebrate your birthday.
The Te Waihou walkway is on Maori Iwi (Maori translation: tribe) land…
…so you must respect the rules including no swimming…
…or fishing….we saw both…please respect the land and also the signs…they’re there for a reason and if you ignore them…other folks in the future won’t be able to enjoy this beauty spot….the Iwi do stop access to land to protect it which I have no problem with in this day and age of stupid and damaging insta-antics. Read articles here, here and here.
^^Lisa in her Scout Leader themed outfit!
Fortunately you’ll find some shade…
…however it’s not for long…
…and then you’re in for a big surprise…the start of the clearest water in the world…
…trust me, you’ll be taking so many beautiful photos.
Of course there has to be a birthday photo or two…
…and then the not so serious birthday photos…
…with puku (Maori translation: stomach) action going on!
With all this fast running clear water…I didn’t need a toilet stop or two…
…but we found one just in case.
There is slight incline…I wouldn’t call it a hill but maybe that’s a Kiwi thing…(this article is really rather funny about Kiwis and hills…I still remember G’s family giving me directions which included a hill…I was super confused as I found no hill until G showed me the hill…I almost wet myself from laughing so much at “the hill”)…
…and this is where the views and colours just get so intense.
I’ve actually joined a few facebook groups to learn more about the New Zealand flora and fauna as I have no idea about the less famous NZ species…these could be actually weeds…but pretty weeds…
…and the conservation work and struggles that New Zealand is dealing with…the knock effect from mass tourism and an influx of population, farming practices, climate change and housing challenges.
Now I did read online that it’s best to visit in the bright day light as the colours just pop…
…and bloody hell they did…
…I’m still blown away by the beauty of the Putaruru Blue Springs.
The Waihou River at the Blue Springs provides approximately 60% of New Zealand’s bottled water and Coca Cola have a bottling plant near Putaruru…
…there is no drinking water stations which I found to be a bit disappointing if I’m to be honest…
…as the temperate was hovering around 32 degrees, a refill of the old glass water bottle was required.
Thankfully it does get a bit shady again…with trees not dodgy characters…
…and there are a few places to stop and enjoy the views…
…or to take a photo while looking like a complete tourist.
^^Reusable glass water bottle from Countdown…I try to avoid plastic reusable plastic bottles full stop even when they’re BPA free. Yes I own a pair of pasty white legs and I’m not going to fake it to fit in!
Ma & Pa met us halfway from the car park at Leslie Road…where we stopped and enjoyed the views AGAIN…
…seriously why wouldn’t you stop, right! Also, can you spot the fish!
I hate the word busy and I’ve banned myself from using the word…you just learn to make time and work out what’s important to you…
…getting out and going for a walk was one of the many reasons why I wanted to come home…
…wanting no birthday presents and just spending time with my family for the day was bliss…
…however this was deemed torture for them…the walk…not spending time with me…Ma, Pa and Lisa should probably confirm this!
After a few sets of steps that aren’t too challenging…the ones at Bridal Veil Falls are much more intense…
…we came to the main area of the Te Waihou Springs and it’s just so freaking beautiful…(the back rolls aren’t an optional extra…sorry folks)
…the area wasn’t crowded however we did spot two groups of tourists absolutely ignoring the “Do No Enter” and “Stay on the Path” signs which was disappointing to see…they’re there for a reason and they were translated as well…
…the signs are there for the safety of people and also to protect the environment so don’t be a twat…you’ll just ruin it for everyone else…goodness I feel like a bloody broken record!
Keeping to the path…we checked out some native birds that were sunbathing…
…and of course I took a million photos…
…another year older but this old leopard hasn’t changed her spots!
I absolutely loved walking along the Te Waihou Walkway and visiting the Blue Springs in Putaruru…my first proper walk in New Zealand for ages and I think I started with a right ol’ goodie!
Tips for Visiting the Blue Springs Putaruru
- There are two car parks – if you want to do the shorter walk to the Blue Springs then park at the Leslie Road carpark and walk approximately 10-15 minutes to the Putaruru Blue Springs. There is another carpark located at Whites Road and from here you can do a walk as above and then return the same way which takes approximately 3 hours in total.
- Of course there are a few other options if you want to tackle this Waikato walking track which we learnt on the day – if you have someone who doesn’t want to do the walk then ask them to drop you off at the Whites Road car park and start the hike from there and meet them at the Leslie Road Car Park….this will take between 1.5-2 hours depending on how often you plan to stop to take photos.
- The Te Waihou Walkway does have a loop and a bridge across the river so you can start the walk from the Leslie Road car park walk past the Blue Springs and then do a loop…you will double back on yourself quite quickly though.
- There are toilets at the Springs however I didn’t see anywhere to fill up your water bottles so make sure you carry enough water with you.
- Swimming and fishing at the Blue Springs is forbidden so don’t try and become famous….the signs are there for a reason and they must be obeyed!
- Keep to the paths…this is not just to protect you but also the environment…the Kauri Dieback disease which is killing the beautiful Kauri trees and this is easily spread by walking off the approved tracks and not cleaning your shoes. The Kauri Dieback website has up to date information on walking tracks that are currently open or closed to the public…that’s including the public with instagram accounts too.
- If you plan to do numerous walks and hikes in New Zealand…please make sure you clean your shoes after each walk.
- There are no shops on this walk so if you want to grab some food…do so in either Putaruru or in the cute little town of Tirau.
- This walking track is found in the Waikato Region of the North Island of New Zealand…a similar beauty spot that I would recommend in the South Island is The Blue Pools Track near Haast.
- Check out Putaruru accomodation options here.
- For more information check out the Hamilton & Waikato Tourism website.
xx
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