The Blue Pools are a spot on the Makarora river where meltwater from the Southern Alps runs clear and still over smooth, round stones, and the colour is something between sapphire and turquoise. A short walk of about fifteen minutes from the road leads through beech forest to a swing bridge across the river, from which you look down into deep, glassy pools where trout hang in the current. The water is so clear that the stones on the bottom seem within reach, and the colour changes with the light and the weather. After rain, the river turns a milky grey, and the pools lose their magic, so a dry spell is best.
The bridge is a favourite for swimmers, who jump from it in summer, though the water is bitterly cold, since it comes straight off the glaciers. The pool is deeper than it looks, but the current and the cold can be dangerous, and swimmers should take care. A rider in leathers may prefer to sit on the shore and watch. The forest here is silver and red beech, with ferns on the ground and moss on every trunk, and in the morning the air is cool and smells of damp earth and leaves.
The Makarora valley is a wild, beautiful place, within Mount Aspiring National Park, and it is a good base for walks, flights over the mountains and jet boat trips. The road along the valley is State Highway 6, and it is among the finest rides in the country. The surface is smooth, the bends are long and easy, and the views of the river and mountains are constant. Traffic is moderate, with campervans and tourists in summer, but it is rarely frantic. Mist and rain are common, so keep your visor clear and carry waterproofs.
The car park at the start of the track is small, and in peak season it can be crowded, so arrive early or late. Fuel is a matter for planning: the small settlement of Makarora, close to the pools, may have limited supplies, so rely instead on Wanaka, an hour or so back toward the lakes, and fill up there before you set out. Bring repellent for sandflies, which swarm the place on still days, and a camera. A short walk and a quiet half hour here will refresh any rider.