Putāruru Blue Spring – Waikato

Putāruru Blue Spring – New Zealand's Clearest Water

Hidden in the rolling countryside of the Waikato, Putāruru Blue Spring (Te Waihou) is one of the purest and most striking freshwater springs in the world. The water is filtered through underground aquifers, for up to a century, before it emerges crystal clear and glowing electric turquoise. It's so pure that the spring supplies much of New Zealand's bottled water.

Find this and dozens more in Swim New Zealand – North Island: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →

Walking beside the Waihou River towards the spring feels surreal: every pebble, ripple and strand of waterweed is visible beneath the surface. The colour shifts with the light, from icy blue to deep emerald.

The Blue Spring is one of the spots in our guide Swim New Zealand – North Island, covering the North Island's most beautiful lakes, rivers, waterfalls and hot springs.

Te Waihou Walkway – Two Ways to Visit

Leslie Road entrance (short walk to the spring)

• The closest car park to the Blue Spring
• A short, easy walk to the viewing platforms
• Best if you just want to see the spring

Whites Road entrance (full Te Waihou Walkway)

• About 4.7 km one way, roughly 1.5 hours (3 hours return)
• Follows the Waihou River through farmland, native bush and over wooden bridges
• Ends at the Blue Spring viewing area
• Mostly easy, with a few short steep sections

Can You Swim at the Blue Spring?

Please don't swim at the Blue Spring itself. Swimming there has already damaged the riverbank plants that fish rely on for breeding and feeding, so the council asks visitors to stay out of the water at the spring.

According to South Waikato District Council, swimming is allowed at the Whites Road end and at various points along the Waihou River. Wherever you swim, protect the riverbanks and get in and out where the bank is already worn. The water stays around 11°C all year, so ease in slowly to avoid cold shock.

Know Before You Go

• No dogs on the walkway; it crosses private farmland with stock.
• No camping along the walkway or in the car parks.
• Stay on the marked track, leave gates as you find them and take your rubbish home.
• Stay behind the barriers around the spring.
• Rocks and the riverbed are slippery; wear good footwear.
• There are no lifeguards, and the river rises and flows faster after heavy rain.

Check the latest track conditions and rules with South Waikato District Council before you visit.

Best Time to Visit

• Midday: the strongest colour, with the sun overhead lighting up the turquoise.
• Early morning: quiet, misty and the fewest people.
• Summer: warmest weather for the full walk and a dip at the Whites Road end.

Map and Parking

• Closest parking: search Google Maps for "Blue Spring Leslie Road car park".
• Full walk: search for "Te Waihou Walkway Whites Road entrance".

Putāruru Blue Spring FAQs

Can you swim at Putāruru Blue Spring?

Not at the spring itself. It's a protected drinking-water source and swimming there has damaged the riverbank plants fish depend on, so stay out of the water at the spring. South Waikato District Council allows swimming at the Whites Road end and at points along the Waihou River.

How long is the walk to the Blue Spring?

From the Leslie Road entrance it's a short, easy walk to the viewing platforms. The full Te Waihou Walkway from Whites Road is 4.7 km one way, about 1.5 hours (3 hours return).

Can you take dogs on the Te Waihou Walkway?

No. Dogs aren't allowed because the walkway crosses private farmland with stock, and to protect wildlife.

Are there toilets at the Blue Spring?

Yes. There are toilets at the Whites Road car park, along the track and near the Blue Spring viewing deck.

More Swims Nearby

Heading on to Rotorua or Taupō? See our guides to the best swimming spots in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty and the best hot springs in Taupō and Waikato.