OMG! We stopped her after seeing the "photo interest" road sign while driving from Taupo to Waitomo. It was a spur of the moment decision. What a spectacular spot! I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere this unique. We ended up walking quite a ways on the Te Waihou Walkway along the beautiful Blue Spring. It was otherworldly in how crystal clear the waters were. Underwater vegetation was plentiful and swaying with the current. This is absolutely worth your stop. The hike is longer than you think it is, but completely worth it. We also encountered lots of interesting birds. This is easily one of the most naturally beautiful places I've ever been on Earth -- solely rivaled perhaps in my travels only by some alpine springs I've hiked along in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in the USA. I have never seen water this clear and underwater colors this vibrant from the surface. read more

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This place was beautiful! I ran across it while researching places to go in New Zealand. By the time we got here, I forgot what this place was. We decided to spend 30 minutes here. As it turns out, this was not enough time. This is worth spending at least an hour here if not more. It will take you 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the main viewpoint. As you walk down the path, you'll catch glimpses of a stream. But this is no ordinary stream - it has crystal clear water and beautiful plants growing in the stream. The blue of the water combined with the green of the plants create a beautiful combination that looks like something out of a Monet painting. From the main viewing stand, if you look across the stream, there's a nook, and the water there is a beautiful azure color, darker than the rest of the water. Beyond the viewing stand, the path continues, but this is as far as we got. I think the trail goes another 4-5 kilometers. If you are in the area, definitely check this out. It's a great detour when driving between Rotorua and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, or to Hobbiton. Just plan to spend more time here than we did. read more

My husband and I stopped by Blue Spring on our way to Hobbitworld (about 30 minute drive). When he told me we were going to go see a "stream." Well, after visiting I can safely say he was under promising big time! The water was crystal clear and a gorgeous blue green in several areas. The water is so clear there is a near perfect reflection of the surroundings. - Small car park, enough for about 10 cars. If that's full there is plenty of room to park on the side of the road - Try to not need to go to the bathroom while here. I didn't plan well and ended up using one of the "bio bathrooms. Essentially a port-a-potty with wood chips you are supposed to add to the heap after you're done. Let's just say there isn't enough hand sanitizer in the world to get me to go back in there. It was the stuff of horror films. Several other girls were going in the woods almost directly across from the bathroom, I would follow their lead. - No drone zone - From the car park to the viewing area for the stream is about a 15 minute walk each way. It's mostly dirt and gravel read more

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Blue Spring, I think, may be the North Island's best kept secret. Head towards Putaruru, which is about a 2/2.5 hour drive from Auckland, and start your walk from the car park on Whites Road. Follow the well posted signs through farm land and you will end up at Blue Spring, which actually supplies around 70% of New Zealand's bottled water - wow! And you will definitely see why. The water is possibly the clearest and purest I have ever seen. The walk is only 3 hours return and is mainly flat, with the exception of a few steep stairs. Along the way, the scenery is beautiful, with native bush, rolling hills and small waterfalls - which makes you feel like your hanging out in The Shire in Lord of the Rings! There are also many birds and the air is lovely and fresh. You will find plenty of spots to eat your lunch/have a picnic. Note that there are no rubbish bins, so take back what you bring. And you cannot bring dogs. Nearer to the end of the track, there is a tap with drinking water. There are also a few toilets on the way, including a 'Bio Toilet', which is essentially a composting toilet, and is great for the environment! You will have to go there to see what I mean... Blue Spring is definitely a must do in the North Island, whether you are a tourist or a local. You could head here on the way to Rotorua or incorporate it with a day trip to Cambridge and Tirau nearby. Bring a yummy packed lunch, water bottle, snacks and definitely don't forget your camera - you will no doubt take many photos as this place is truly one of a kind. read more

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Amazing and breathtaking! Went when it was raining but it had stopped halfway thru the hike. It was worth it!