Putaruru Blue Springs / Te Waihou Walkway
If you’re travelling around Waikato and looking for an easy, beautiful nature stop without a long hike, Putaruru Blue Springs is a perfect choice. This guide covers where it is, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit—whether you’re passing through or planning a slow day out.
Approximate driving times:
Auckland: 2 hours
Rotorua: 1 hour
Hamilton: 1 hour
Taupō: 1.5 hours
A car is the easiest way to visit, especially if you are road-tripping. Parking is free.
There are two main entry points:
Leslie Road car park – shorter, most popular access
Whites Road car park – longer, more scenic walk, place where Kiwis take a dip and swim
Both lead to the same iconic blue spring section.
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| Start of walk from Leslie Road car park |
The Walk: What to Expect
- Track
type: Flat, well-maintained gravel path
- Difficulty:
Easy (suitable for most fitness levels)
- Time:
- Leslie
Road return: ~30–45 minutes
- Whites
Road to Leslie Road (one way): ~1–2 hours
This is a relaxed walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels. You don’t need special footwear—comfortable walking shoes are enough.
Why the Water Is So Blue
The springs are fed by underground aquifers that naturally
filter the water over many years. The result is water that’s incredibly clear
and vibrant.
Fun fact: These springs supply a significant portion of New
Zealand’s bottled water, which explains the strict rules around protecting the
area.
Facilities & Rules
Facilities:
- Toilets
at Leslie Road car park
- Benches
and viewing platforms along the track
- No
cafés on-site (bring your own snacks and water)
Important rules:
- 🚫
No swimming or wading (you can go to White Road car park and swim downstream)
- 🚫
No dogs
- 🚫
No bikes
- 🚫 No drones
Best Time to Visit
Morning: Quieter and more peaceful
Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends
Sunny days: The blue colour is most vibrant
The walkway is suitable year-round and partly shaded, making it comfortable even in warmer months.
What to Bring
- Comfortable
walking shoes
- Water
bottle
- Camera
or phone (you’ll want photos)
- Light jacket if visiting early or in cooler months
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| Stairs you'll encounter if you'll be doing the walkway loop |
Nearby Stops to Pair With Your Visit
- Putaruru
town centre for a coffee or bite
- Tirau
(10 minutes away) for quirky shops and cafés
- Hobbiton
Movie Set (within easy driving distance)
Blue Springs works well as a half-day plan or a peaceful
break between longer drives.
Breakfast at Cow Cafe in Putaruru town centre before heading out for the walk
Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely—especially if you enjoy nature without exhaustion.
John and I visited Putaruru Blue Springs to celebrate his 33rd birthday. We wanted something beautiful but not overly demanding—and this walk struck that balance effortlessly.
While there are a few sets of stairs along the way, the track itself is mostly flat and well-maintained. You don’t need to be particularly fit, and you won’t find yourself gasping for breath or racing against time.
More than anything, it is accessible. You get the reward of stunning scenery without the physical strain that often comes with hiking.
If you’re travelling and want a place that offers beauty, calm, and ease all at once, Putaruru Blue Springs is absolutely worth the stop.
No Rhyme, Just Reason is a Taupō, New Zealand–based blog by Ariane about books, good food, long walks, and unapologetic naps.
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