Crystal Clear Te Waikoropupu Springs.

The Te Waikoropupu springs in Golden Bay are home to the clearest springwater in the world!

The Te Waikoropupu springs gush forth from the earth just 7 kms from the nearby township of Takaka and are well signposted from State Highway 60.

The "Pupu" springs,as they are affectionately known to the localsare home to the clearest spring water in the world (the only place with clearer water is the salt water Weddell Sea in Antarctica). Underwater clarity tests have shown the water from the springs to have underwater visibility of 63 metres!

The translation of "Place of the Dancing Sands" references the smaller of the two springs, with it's white sand bottom. Here you will see the force of the water pushing up through the spring floor, moving the sand particles and making them appear to dance.

Whilst all contact with the water is forbidden (the springs are Wahi Tapu sacred treasure to the local maori) there is a calming and peaceful bush walk, easily accessible from the main carpark. A portion of this walk is wheelchair accessible.

The water from the main spring is a constant cold temperature of 11.7°C, clear and slightly salty. The flow is not constant; it varies from 7 cubic metres per second during droughts to a maximum of 21 cubic metres per second. The springs system is the largest in New Zealand, and among the 100 largest springs in the world (it ranks about 90th).

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5 Free Things To Do in Queenstown

At first glance, the alpine resort of Queenstown (adventure capital of the world) may seem expensive, but there is plenty to do that doesn't cost a cent...

Hiking Queenstown
You are spoilt for choice with several walks in stunning scenery all accessible from the township of Queenstown. A flat, lakeside option with superb views of The Remarkables is the Frankton Arm. Spinnaker Bay Luxury Apartments are situated just above this popular walking track. It is 5km from Queenstown to Frankton. Want a bit more of a challenge? Try the Queenstown Hill. This walk takes about 3 hours return and you are rewarded at the summit with incredible views.

Cultural Queenstown
Queenstown is lucky to house several interesting galleries featuring local, national and international artists. To get you started check out The Ivan Clarke Gallery (creator of the Lonely Dog series), the Artbay Gallery upstairs in the Mountaineers Building or Toi o Tahuna on Church Lane.

Waterfront Queenstown
There is always plenty to see down by the lake front of Queenstown’s CBD. Find a seat in the sun and be entertained by the talented buskers that frequent this area. If it’s a Saturday check out Queenstown’s Arts and Craft market at Earnslaw Park http://www.marketplace.net.nz/. Whatever the day or time of year there is always plenty of action out on the lake (jet boats, The Earnslaw, yachts) or sit back and relax as you take in the stunning backdrop of Cecil and Walter Peaks across Lake Wakatipu.

Botanical Queenstown
Just a 5 minute stroll from the CBD, the Queenstown Gardens sit on a little peninsula that juts out into Lake Wakatipu. There is a walking track around the perimeter and several paths within the gardens that meander past the duck ponds, band rotunda and rose gardens. If you have a Frisbee on hand, you are in luck.: There is a 18 ‘hole’ Frisbee golf course plotted amongst the trees and vegetation - and yes it is absolutely free!

Window-shopping Queenstown
OK, so this may not turn out to be ‘free’, but is a lot of fun. Queenstown offers superb shopping from Louis Vuitton to souvenir shops and everything in between. High-street to High-end fashion, interior design to tattoo design stores, bookshops to bakeries, galleries to gourmet delis. Of course there are a huge array of outdoor sports stores with the emphasis on mountain biking and hiking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

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Great Short Walks in the Hamilton & Waikato Region

Known for its scenic diversity the Hamilton & Waikato region offers a myriad of options for those keen on short treks through nature reserves.

The Hamilton & Waikato region’s main city of Hamilton provides an ideal base for exploring, with a variety of city walks as well as mountain tracks and wetland trails all accessible within a 45 minute drive. The city’s CBD river and lakeside paths are also part of Te Araroa (The Long Pathway), a continuous 3,000 km walking track the length of New Zealand.

Forty minutes south of Hamilton, Sanctuary Mountain (Maungatautari Ecological Reserve) provides extra interest for walkers due to the native flora and fauna being released and regenerated in the special predator-free environment. The reserve’s Southern Enclosure is perfect for one to two hour walks and the 16 metre high forest canopy viewing tower allows visitors to get up close with native birds such as kaka, hihi, kereru and tui. Recognised as an internationally significant restoration project, the 3,400 hectare reserve’s guided night tours also provide the rare chance to experience the magical atmosphere of a New Zealand forest at night.

Clear mountain streams and waterfall walks are never far away either, including Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan and the impressive 153m high Wairere Falls near Matamata. South Waikato’s Waihou Stream is the focus of another great short walk with its stunning crystal clear and bright blue water due to the purity of the spring water which has been underground for up to 100 years.

For those who like a little luxury after a trek, Mt Te Aroha is the perfect spot as there is the bonus of natural hot pools at its base to soothe aching muscles after exploring old gold mining pack tracks and tramways, crossing rivers and streams, and taking in 360 degree summit views over the Waikato Basin, Bay of Plenty and Hauraki Plains.

Meanwhile, at the Waikato River Trails, walkers and cyclists share the track passing through diverse terrain including riverbank-hugging boardwalks, swing bridges and historical landmarks. Suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness, this series of one hour to one day trails will eventually cover 100km and make for an iconic New Zealand experience.

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Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring

Te Waihou Walkway lies alongside the upper reaches of the Waihou River, where the water is extremely clear and blue, with an intense blue hue.

Time: 1 hr 30 min one way Distance: 4.7 km (one way) plus 0.5 km loop track Type: Walking Track

Getting there:
From Rotorua drive on SH 5 west towards Tirau, take the Putaruru turning on Whites road (SH 28). The downstream entrance at the Whites road layby is just past Leslie road. The Blue Spring end is 3.6 km along Leslie road.

 Scenic beauty and history are features of the walkway, beside the upper reaches of the Waihou River. The river water is clear and pure, with an intense blue colour. Many springs and tributaries feed the river. The Blue Spring is internationally acclaimed. Its clear, blue-green water flows from the spring at 42 cubic metres (9240 gallons) per minute. The water is sold in bottled form around New Zealand and supplies the town of Putaruru without treatment.

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Great Short Walks in the Hamilton & Waikato Region

Known for its scenic diversity the Hamilton & Waikato region offers a myriad of options for those keen on short treks through nature reserves

The Hamilton & Waikato region’s main city of Hamilton provides an ideal base for exploring, with a variety of city walks as well as mountain tracks and wetland trails all accessible within a 45 minute drive. The city’s CBD river and lakeside paths are also part of Te Araroa (The Long Pathway), a continuous 3,000 km walking track the length of New Zealand.

Forty minutes south of Hamilton, Sanctuary Mountain (Maungatautari Ecological Reserve) provides extra interest for walkers due to the native flora and fauna being released and regenerated in the special predator-free environment. The reserve’s Southern Enclosure is perfect for one to two hour walks and the 16 metre high forest canopy viewing tower allows visitors to get up close with native birds such as kaka, hihi, kereru and tui. Recognised as an internationally significant restoration project, the 3,400 hectare reserve’s guided night tours also provide the rare chance to experience the magical atmosphere of a New Zealand forest at night.

Clear mountain streams and waterfall walks are never far away either, including Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan and the impressive 153m high Wairere Falls near Matamata. South Waikato’s Waihou Stream is the focus of another great short walk with its stunning crystal clear and bright blue water due to the purity of the spring water which has been underground for up to 100 years.

For those who like a little luxury after a trek, Mt Te Aroha is the perfect spot as there is the bonus of natural hot pools at its base to soothe aching muscles after exploring old gold mining pack tracks and tramways, crossing rivers and streams, and taking in 360 degree summit views over the Waikato Basin, Bay of Plenty and Hauraki Plains.

Meanwhile, at the Waikato River Trails, walkers and cyclists share the track passing through diverse terrain including riverbank-hugging boardwalks, swing bridges and historical landmarks. Suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness, this series of one hour to one day trails will eventually cover 100km and make for an iconic New Zealand experience.

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Tips for safe hiking in New Zealand

Walking is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand's dramatic landscapes. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe while hiking.

Safety is your responsibility
Before you begin your adventure, make sure you know the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code to help you stay safe.

1. Plan your trip
Seek local knowledge. Plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

2. Tell someone
Tell someone your plans and leave a time/date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.

3. Be aware of the weather
New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. Also check for avalanche alerts as they can occur in any season.

4. Know your limits
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.

5. Take sufficient supplies
Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

Take advice from locals in the know
Local guides and Department of Conservation staff can offer crucial information on current weather and track conditions. Visitors who choose to ignore the advice of local experts often require assistance from Search and Rescue officials.

More hiking tips
Leave your detailed trip intentions with a trusted contact. Be sure to let them know when you return.
Leave notes in hut books, even if you do not stay in the hut.
If you are travelling away from common tracks, consider mountain radios and personal locator beacons.
Take appropriate clothing, equipment and maps.
If you become lost
If you become lost, the best thing to do is to stay in one place; that way you will increase your chances of being rescued sooner.
Use your communications device to tell local authorities you're lost.
Then set up a camp and keep yourself warm. You can move your body to keep warm, but stay in one place.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of New Zealand’s top tramping experiences and one of the best day walks in the world. Weather conditions on the Crossing can change rapidly. It can be an extreme environment, particularly in winter with snow, ice and high winds. So it's important to be well prepared.

Guided treks offer you the chance to enjoy the very best of Tongariro National Park while benefiting from the local knowledge and experience of fully-trained guides.

For the latest Tongariro Alpine Crossing information, or to arrange a guided trek, contact Department of Conservation Whakapapa or Adrift Outdoors.

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Kaikoura

Whale watching is the name of the game all year round in Kaikoura! Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – that includes fur seals, dolphins and many seabirds. Tours leave multiple times a day and there are lots of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore. If you have time, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a three-hour return hike that visits a seal colony, limestone formations and a seabird colony.

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