After years of challenges, the path to New Zealand's iconic Blue Pools is open again, revealing the stunning beauty photographers crave.
Blue Pools, Blue River and Makarora River Confluence, New Zealand
Camera: Sony a7R V
Lens: Sony 24-105 G
Shutter Speed: 1/25 seconds
Aperture: F/10
ISO: 800
The Blue Pools of Haast Pass have always held a special place in the hearts of landscape photographers like Don Smith and myself. This beautiful spot, accessible via a quick rainforest hike, rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of a clear blue river often surrounded by lush greenery—an iconic photography location that we return to year after year.
Initially, the Blue Pools offered a consistently stunning experience. However, things shifted dramatically with the disruption caused by the COVID pandemic. Upon our return to New Zealand in 2022, we were surprised to find that the trail had been updated. The previous short, downhill hike was transformed into a more manageable mile-long route that started from a newly constructed parking lot. This change came in response to the increasing crowds, and while we were initially apprehensive, we soon realized that the longer path provided additional amenities like better facilities and a smoother journey through the rainforest.
Fast forward to 2023—still no Blue Pools. The trail was closed again for essential renovation work on the beloved swinging suspension bridges. We remained optimistic, thinking we could return the following year to capture the stunning blues. But then, just as we were about to embark on our 2024 workshop, we learned that bridge repairs were still underway. It felt like a continuous loop of “wait ’til next year.”
In 2025, however, we finally got the good news that the bridges were repaired, and the trail was open once more. Our spirits lifted as we made our plans to enjoy this remarkable venue. Yet, on the morning we set to traverse Haast Pass to visit the Blue Pools en route to Fox Glacier, we encountered an unexpected rockslide that forced another indefinite closure of the route. This unfortunate occurrence led us to completely adjust our itinerary, which is not uncommon for workshop leaders. We swiftly removed Fox Glacier from our plans and spent additional nights in Te Anau, gaining more time at nearby Milford Sound.
While it was disappointing to miss the original route, spending extra nights in Te Anau allowed us to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Milford, a decision that we eventually welcomed. We ultimately decided to exchange our Fox Glacier nights for more time at Wanaka, permitting us to dedicate a full day to the Blue Pools and the surrounding waterfalls of Haast Pass. Returning to this gem felt like we had finally arrived at a long-awaited destination.
Upon arrival, there’s a unique thrill in being the first to witness the Blue Pools from the bridge, and capturing the awe on visitors’ faces—an experience akin to the first time I laid my eyes on the stunning colors of the Little Colorado River.
The Blue River's glacial origins contribute to its striking hue. As glaciers grind rock to create fine powder—known as glacial flour—these particles remain suspended in the water, affecting how light bounces off its surface. The stunning blue shades result from the water absorbing longer wavelengths—leaving primarily blue and green tones to be reflected. The water color can vary significantly, influenced by conditions like sunlight temperature and sediment in the water; yet we have been fortunate to never experience the brown tint from runoff.
Standing at the edge of the canyon, the combination of vibrant water and the surrounding boulders creates a view that is equally stunning for its clarity and color. For photographers, this location poses unique challenges. A polarizer filter is essential to eliminate the glare off the water and rocks, enhancing colors effectively. However, these filters reduce light, which requires careful control of exposure settings, especially since overcast conditions or shaded light is preferable for capturing the water’s true color.
Technical Considerations
While I always aim to photograph at optimal times, the swaying nature of the suspension bridge demands a thoughtful approach to capture the right moment, particularly when surrounded by tourists. For the recent shoot, I adjusted my ISO to 800 to compensate for reduced light and set my camera to continuous mode, capturing multiple frames per shutter press to enhance the chances of a successful shot amidst the motion of the bridge.
My framing for the shot was intentional; I positioned myself slightly off-center on the bridge to allow the river to flow diagonally through my frame. Ensuring that I didn’t cut off any significant submerged boulders, I also incorporated the vibrant green moss on the rocky slopes, creating a balanced composition that highlighted the iconic blue of the river.
The anticipation of our next visit is already building. The allure of the Blue Pools, rich in both color and clarity, remains a beacon for photographers and nature lovers alike. After a series of setbacks and adjustments, we've finally made it back, and that journey only adds to the richness of our experiences here.
Whether you're just discovering the beauty of the Blue Pools or returning for another adventure, there's always more to see and capture. Join Don and me in New Zealand for your own photographic journey!
