Description

The Blue Spring (Te Puna) is a natural taonga (treasure) formed through the special and delicate merger of geology, ecology, freshwater biology, and geography over many hundreds of thousands of years The walkway is a distance of 4.7 kilometres, with an average walking time of 1.5 hours (3 hours return). The terrain varies from easy walking to backcountry trekking with stile crossings. In some areas the track has been benched and steps constructed through the gorge area. Hazards such as waterfalls, electric fences and livestock may be encountered along the way. Getting to Te Waihou is easy. The Whites Road carpark is on State Highway 28, which feeds off both State Highway 1 and 5. Due to damage to the environment and the blue springs, please refrain from swimming in the Blue Spring and surrounds. Remove all rubbish - take out what you take in! Dogs are not permitted on Te Waihou Walkway due to livestock, narrow tracks, other users and issues with faeces. No camping or overnight parking.