The Blue Pools Track is a one-hour, 1.5 km hike located in the Wānaka region of New Zealand. The trail leads hikers through beautiful native beech forests to the iconic Makarora River and its famous blue pools. A swing bridge across the river offers an opportunity to take in the stunning views of the river gorge before visitors reach the viewing platform overlooking the Blue Pools.

This water runs crystal blue most of the time and the gorge is surrounded by mature Beech and Podocarp Forest, creating an incredible landscape of blues and greens.

Access to the blue pools is via a well formed track that takes around 30 minutes each way. The carpark for the track is located off the State Highway and well signposted.

Photography info: This shot was taken on the second swing bridge which is where you can view the Blue Pools from above.

I used a Graduated Filter and Polariser to break through the glare on the water and my wide angle lens.