Blue Valley Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
Check Avalanche NZ for the full avalanche forecast before you go.
Sorry, we can't show Avalanche NZ forecasts or alerts on this site. Avalanche NZ doesn't permit it.
NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
Sorry, we can't show NIWA weather or alerts on this site. NIWA doesn't permit paid apps to do this.
Forecast point: Brewster Hut (1430m) · 12.9km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
The track to Camp Flat is easily accessible and an interesting day trip. You can continue on for another 13 km to the head of the valley.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Sampled from the national 8m elevation model. No LiDAR survey covers this route yet.
Description
Blue Pools car park to Camp Flat
Time: 2 - 3 hr one way
Distance: 2.5 km one way
The Blue valley is easily accessible and an interesting day or overnight trip. The track starts at the Blue Pools car park. After 20 minutes, the valley track branches off just after the swing bridge over the Makarora River. The scenic Blue Pools are a 10 minute (return) side trip from this point.
From the junction, the track climbs around and above the Blue River and drops to cross a forested basin of mature tawhai / silver beech. The track then climbs again, sidles up a gorge and descends
to Camp Flat, a grassy and pleasant lunch stop or campsite
Camp Flat to head of valley
Time: 6 - 7 hr one way
Distance: 13.5 km one way
Follow the poled track up the true left of the valley. Take care around a semi-active slip and awkward access along the river’s edge. Cross the Blue River about 50 metres below its north branch and stay on the true right for about 6-7 hours to reach the upper grassy flats.
Getting there
The track starts at the Blue Pools car park off SH6, opposite Cameron Flat campsite. From Wānaka, drive north on the Haast Highway (SH6) to Makarora township. Continue along the highway for about 12 km.
Know before you go
Bad weather
The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. Check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
There may be fallen trees after adverse weather, so be prepared for longer tramping times.
Avalanche risk
This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
No visitor centre in Makarora
Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track