Blue Valley Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The track to Camp Flat is easily accessible and an interesting day trip. You can continue on for another 13 km to the head of the valley.

This DOC directory entry covers Blue Valley Track in Otago, within Makarora area / Mount Aspiring National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 2.5 km to Camp Flat one way
• Walking time: 2-3 hr one way to Camp Flat
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Predator control for Mt Aspiring National Park; First published on 16 September 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Blue Pools car park to Camp Flat

Time: 2 - 3 hr one wayDistance: 2.5 km one way

The Blue valley is easily accessible and an interesting day or overnight trip. The track starts at the Blue Pools car park. After 20 minutes, the valley track branches off just after the swing bridge over the Makarora River. The scenic Blue Pools are a 10 minute (return) side trip from this point.

From the junction, the track climbs around and above the Blue River and drops to cross a forested basin of mature tawhai / silver beech. The track then climbs again, sidles up a gorge and descends to Camp Flat, a grassy and pleasant lunch stop or campsite

Camp Flat to head of valley

Time: 6 - 7 hr one wayDistance: 13.5 km one way

Follow the poled track up the true left of the valley. Take care around a semi-active slip and awkward access along the river’s edge. Cross the Blue River about 50 metres below its north branch and stay on the true right for about 6-7 hours to reach the upper grassy flats.

Getting there

The track starts at the Blue Pools car park off SH6, opposite Cameron Flat campsite. From Wānaka, drive north on the Haast Highway (SH6) to Makarora township. Continue along the highway for about 12 km.

Know before you go

Bad weather

The weather can change rapidly in New Zealand. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. Be prepared by having warm, waterproof, windproof clothing and the appropriate footwear. Whiteout conditions caused by snow or low cloud may be present. Check the Mount Aspiring National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.

There may be fallen trees after adverse weather, so be prepared for longer tramping times.

Avalanche risk

This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream 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.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

No visitor centre in Makarora

Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.