Te Waihou – The Blue Springs of Putāruru

Tucked away in the heart of the Waikato near Putāruru lies one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Aotearoa – Te Waihou (The Blue Springs). Famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, this spring has become a must-see for anyone travelling through the central North Island. The water here is so pure that around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water comes from this source.

When we walked the track, we were struck by how peaceful, pristine and calming it felt. The sound of the stream, the vivid colours under the surface and the gentle bush surroundings make this a place where you naturally slow down and take it all in.

What Makes Te Waihou So Special?

The water of Te Waihou comes from the Mamaku Plateau and has been filtered underground for more than 100 years before reaching the surface. That long journey through rock and soil is what makes the water so pure, maintaining a constant temperature of around 11°C all year round.

The result is water that looks unreal — shades of turquoise and emerald that shift with the light. Beneath the surface, swaying aquatic plants create their own underwater garden, making the whole scene feel like it’s glowing from within.

Walking the Te Waihou Walkway

The Te Waihou Walkway is the best way to experience the springs, with two main access points:

• Whites Road Carpark: This is the full track (4.7 km one way, about 2-3 hours return depending on how fast you walk and how many photos you stop to take). It’s perfect if you want to enjoy the whole journey — farmland, native bush, bridges and streams before reaching the Blue Springs.
• Leslie Road Carpark: This is the shorter option, just a 15–20 minute stroll to the viewing platform overlooking the most vivid section of the Blue Springs.

If you’re short on time, the Leslie Road side is the best choice — you’ll still see the most famous part and can enjoy a relaxed return walk. But if you love being on the trail, the Whites Road side gives you a fuller, scenic adventure.

Highlights:

• Length: 4.7 km one way (allow 1.5–2 hours return from Whites Road)
• Short Option: 15–20 minutes one way from Leslie Road to the viewing platform
• Scenery: Farmland, native bush, bubbling streams, boardwalks and bridges
• Picnic Spots: Peaceful grassy areas perfect for a stop along the way
• No Swimming: The spring is a protected water source, so please respect the site

Insider Tips

• 🚫 No dogs — the walkway crosses farmland with stock.
• 🚻 Toilets available along the track at key points.
• ♿ Not ideal for wheelchairs or prams — some uneven and narrow sections.
• 🚣 No kayaking or swimming — to protect the purity and fragile ecosystem.
• 🥧 After your walk, stop in Putāruru for a pie at Bella Pane— a true Waikato road trip combo.

Fun Fact

The water in Te Waihou is so clear that underwater visibility can reach up to 63 metres — making it some of the purest fresh water on Earth.

History of Te Waihou and the Waihou River

The Waihou River has long been a source of life and connection for the people of this region. It flows from the Ngātira Marae, marking the boundaries of Raukawa lands, and has been a route for food, travel, and resources for centuries.

It was used by Kīngi Tāwhiao, the second Māori King, as a main travelling path that provided kai and flax for everyday needs. Earlier still, Kahupeka, a Tainui ancestor, crossed the Waihou River with her son on their journeys through the central North Island, including routes between Pirongia, Te Aroha and Whakamaru.

By the late 1930s, European settlers such as the Edmeades family had begun farming along the upper river. The landscape was cleared of fern and tī tree, and even war trenches were dug along its banks during wartime, though never used.

The walkway we enjoy today was officially opened on 15 April 2000 by then-Prime Minister Helen Clark, allowing visitors to explore this natural treasure while protecting its purity.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.