New Blue Pools bridges open for King's Birthday weekend

The iconic Makarora and Blue Pools bridges near Wānaka will reopen tomorrow (Saturday) in time for King’s Birthday weekend, after comprehensive upgrades.

Yesterday a small group of Makarora residents and conservation groups met to try out the bridges and upgraded Blue Pools Track walkway located 70kms north of Wānaka.

DOC Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar says the occasion warrants a celebration after a two-year slog involving engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations, unexpected complexities and a lot of hard work.

“In May 2023 engineering reports on Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges showed they needed to be upgraded for public safety, while Makarora’s swing bridge had to be completely replaced. We closed all three to get the work done.

“In peak summer season 550 people a day cross the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges. At times 75 people would cross the bridges each hour, and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted ‘safe number of people to cross’ advice. We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public.”

Upgrades included:

• a new longer Makarora swing bridge with higher capacity,
• a 160-metre-long elevated board walk, and
• extensive upgrades to the Blue Pools bridge offering an improved experience for visitors.

Yesterday was a big day for the Makarora community, with a parallel celebration for the opening of the 1.1km Charteris Track in nearby Makarora township.

Built by the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust on land donated by Makarora resident Gary Charteris, the track is a valuable last link in a loop that takes in the Makarora township.

The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges are not officially open to the public until Saturday 31^st May. Contractors may still be site.

Visitors should check the DOC website before heading out: Blue Pools Track: Mount Aspiring National Park, Otago region

The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges also provide high water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit.

Trampers should have river crossing skills and experience if they are undertaking this advanced tramp.

Do not cross if the river 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.