2025 Makarora Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

My visit to the Blue Pools in New Zealand's South Island was epic! The water was insanely clear and blue, like something out of a movie. Crossing the swing bridge, you could see daredevils jumping into the azure blue waters from a height of approximately 3 storeys. Inspired by them, I dipped my feet in the water (LOL) and it was freezing but totally worth it! The surrounding forest was straight out of a fantasy novel, with towering trees and birds chirping everywhere. The sound of the waterfalls was also so peaceful, and I couldn't resist snapping a million photos at this picturesque location. Plus, spotting trout swimming in the pools was a cool bonus! #WinHKFlight #winhkflight Hong Kong is a destination with so much culture, outdoors, nightlife, food and history! I want to travel to Hong Kong and spend a good 4 to 5 days there exploring this energetic city!

#September2025 📍 Location: Located off Haast Pass Highway (SH6) in the South Island, near the small town of Makarora. 🚌 Access: Driving is the easiest option, about an hour's drive from Wānaka. The parking lot is a 10-15 minute walk away. ✨ My Take: When I first walked in, listening to the gurgling stream and walking through the forest path, I was suddenly greeted by a breathtaking expanse of crystal-clear turquoise water. It was truly breathtaking! The water was so clear you could see fish swimming in it, its color like gemstones. Standing on the suspension bridge and looking down, the gradations of blue were truly magical. Even though the water was incredibly cold, some people still took the plunge and swam in. Just looking at it gave me chills 🥶. This is a must-see. It doesn't take long, but it gives you a strong sense of natural wonder.

#September2025 📍 Location: Located on Haast Pass Highway (SH6) in the South Island, near the town of Makarora. 🚌 Access: Drive along SH6. The parking lot is right next to the highway, and the trail entrance is clearly visible. It takes about an hour to reach the trail from Wānaka. ✨ My Take: This trail is very accessible and takes about 30 minutes round trip. Walking along the tree-lined path, you can hear birdsong and feel a refreshing sensation. The moment you reach the suspension bridge, you're greeted by the unreal blue waters of the stream. It truly looks like it's been Photoshopped! Looking down from the bridge, the water is so clear you can even see fish; it feels like stepping into a magical world. This short trail is perfect for planning a trip and won't take too long, but the views are definitely worth stopping for. 😍

#September2025 📍 Location: Located on the Haast Pass Highway (SH6) heading west from Wanaka, near the small town of Makarora. 🚌 Getting There: Driving is the most convenient option, about an hour's drive from Wanaka. It's a great stop on the way to or from Fox Glacier or the West Coast. ✨ My Review: This log cabin-style lodge has a truly "mountainside" feel, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, and the air is incredibly fresh. Accommodation options include cabins, camping areas, and simple guest rooms, catering to a variety of travel needs. At night, you can gaze at a sky full of stars, creating a truly tranquil experience. 🌌 There's also a restaurant serving meals, perfect for those who prefer not to prepare their own meals. For me, this is a perfect place to "slow down" and relax—not just for a quick break, but to truly experience the tranquility and grandeur of the South Island's nature.

If you've always dreamed of immersing yourself in the stunning natural scenery of the South Island, this classic route is definitely worth experiencing in person. From Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, you'll be amazed by the blue glaciers and get to visit some of New Zealand's most picturesque spots. Whether you're taking photos, quietly admiring the lake, or simply hiking, you'll likely agree with me: the real-life experience is a hundred times more breathtaking than any photo! 1. Queenstown Ultimate Viewpoint (Queenstown 9300, New Zealand) Queenstown is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's must-visit cities, and the Ultimate Viewpoint is the best spot to overlook the lakes and mountains. Open all year round, you don't need to worry about timing—whether it's sunrise, sunset, or nighttime, any photo taken here will be stunning! It's not too far to walk from the city center, but if you're not up for the hike, you can take the gondola. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during sunset. 2. Skyline Viewing Gallery (3008193, Queenstown 9300, 9300, New Zealand; Open daily 09:00-21:00) A trip to Queenstown wouldn't be complete without visiting Skyline! The gondola ride takes just a few minutes, and the views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu from the windows are unbeatable. At the Viewing Gallery, you'll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Queenstown and the lake. There's a restaurant on-site where you can sip a beer or try their highly popular buffet—great food paired with stunning views is a winning combination! Note that during peak hours, there might be a wait for the gondola, so buying tickets in advance is recommended. 3. Lake Tekapo/Takapō Scenic (Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand) Leaving Queenstown marks the start of your journey to Lake Tekapo! The lake's water is a dreamy Tiffany Blue, and there are plenty of photo spots along the shore. During autumn and winter, you'll find pink and purple lupins blooming by the lake, making it a perfect spot for couples to take photos. Most visitors arrive at noon or sunset, so remember to bring your gear to capture the ever-changing sky and reflections that create a fairytale-like scene. 4. Church of the Good Shepherd (Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999; Aug 31-Sep 27: 09:00-17:00, Sep 28-Dec 31: 09:00-20:00) One of the world's most popular wedding photo locations, this church is situated by the lake, offering a picture-perfect view of blue skies, white clouds, and the surrounding mountains. Be sure to respect the local religious atmosphere by keeping quiet and refraining from using flash photography inside the church. To avoid crowds, visit right when it opens at 9 AM for a more peaceful experience. 5. Blue Pools Track (State Highway 6, Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka) Heading further north, you can visit the Blue Pools Track. This short and easy hiking trail takes about 20 minutes but offers incredibly stunning views. The crystal-clear river looks almost weightless, surrounded by lush forests and suspension bridges—it's a perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. The trail is safe, but it's recommended to bring insect repellent and snacks for a more comfortable experience. Tips for Planning Your Itinerary: - Suggested order: Queenstown Ultimate Viewpoint > Skyline Viewing Gallery > Drive or take a long-distance bus to Lake Tekapo > Experience Lake Tekapo's scenery > Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd > Explore Blue Pools. - For accommodation in Queenstown, choose a central location for convenience in dining and shopping. Renting a car is ideal for those who want the freedom to explore. - For the best lighting to capture the lake and mountain views, visit between noon and sunset. - South Island weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out and bring a spare jacket or windbreaker.

#summervacay Located off Haast Pass, the Blue Pools Track is an easy, family-friendly summer walk that leads to crystal-clear glacial pools connected by a swing bridge. The water really is blue—an otherworldly turquoise when the light hits just right. In summer, the walk is shaded and cool, making it a popular stop for a refreshing dip (if you're brave—the water is icy!). The short walk through native beech forest is beautiful and well maintained. It's a must-see for anyone driving through the Southern Alps during the warmer months.

Follow me and I will share more information about New Zealand 📍 Blue Pools Blue pools Track is one of the simplest and most beautiful trails in New Zealand! Unfortunately, the suspension bridge is currently under renovation, so there is no way to walk on it to take nice photos! But you can walk to the riverbed from the right side of the suspension bridge! You can also see a beautiful and unscientific blue! Even though it was raining when I came, the blue was still very unscientific. I wonder how beautiful it will be if the weather is good! #newzealand #newzealandlife #newzealandtrip #workingholiday #workingholidaynewzealand #NewZealandWorkingHoliday #WorkingHoliday #NewZealandWorkingHoliday #NewZealand #StudyInNewZealand #iphonephotography #Taiwan #Tourism #Tourist Attractions #travelling #travelgram #backpacker #travelblogger #newzealand #newzealandtourism #LocalTravel#GoodFamilyDestinations#familytravel#beaches#romanticgetaway