Te Waikoropupū Springs

The largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, and among the clearest water ever measured, with visibility of over 60 m. About 14,000 litres a second bubble up from underground through the white sand, and the colours of the main spring are astonishing.

The springs are a wāhi tapu (sacred place) for Māori, and are protected: you mustn't touch the water, so no swimming, wading or putting your hands in, as this protects the water and the plants. An easy 45-minute loop walk through forest leads to viewing platforms over the springs, past relics of the old gold-mining days.

The turnoff is just past Tākaka on the main road to Collingwood. Entry is free.