Journey through New Zealand’s Haast Pass with Eco Adventures Wanaka on the Blue Pools & Bridle Track Day Tour, featuring glacial waters, native forests, and historic trails. Discover why this tour is a standout outdoor experience near Wānaka.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level to comfortably handle a full day of walking over varied terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Bridle Track was historically the exclusive horse pathway connecting Otago to the West Coast, reflecting 19th-century travel and settlement patterns.
Conservation
Eco Adventures Wanaka emphasizes low-impact tourism practices within the World Heritage Haast Pass, supporting the preservation of native beech forests and pristine waterways.
Eco Adventures Wanaka
Journey through New Zealand’s Haast Pass with Eco Adventures Wanaka on the Blue Pools & Bridle Track Day Tour, featuring glacial waters, native forests, and historic trails. Discover why this tour is a standout outdoor experience near Wānaka.
Eco Adventures Wanaka is a guided outdoor tour operator based in Wānaka, Otago, offering small-group day trips that highlight Lake Wanaka and nearby alpine landscapes. The business provides a selection of guided experiences that combine scenic travel, natural history interpretation, and on-site conservation activities.
Signature trips include a Lake Cruise & Guided Island Nature Walk to Mou Waho Island where a scenic boat cruise reaches a hidden lake atop the island; guests take a guided nature walk, can encounter rare wildlife, enjoy afternoon tea, and participate by planting a native tree. The Blue Pools & Bridle Track Day Tour travels through Haast Pass and Silver Beech forests to the Blue Pools viewing area, with scenic lunch stops and historic track sections on the return journey. The Rob Roy Glacier Experience ventures into the Matukituki Valley with a guided 10km walk, swing bridge crossing and a gourmet lunch at the Rob Roy Glacier viewpoint. The Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track is a 3.5-hour guided walk from Wanaka to Rocky Mountain with views of Diamond Lake and the Matukituki River, led by experienced local guides and including a gourmet sandwich lunch.
All trips are presented as guided, day-length experiences departing from Wānaka, focused on safety, natural history interpretation, and low-impact tourism. Information above is based on published trip summaries and factual trip features.
Location
Wānaka, Otago
Tour departures from Wānaka
Tours Offered
4 distinct tours
Island, glacier, lake, and river routes
Conservation
Tree planting
Native tree planting on Mou Waho Island
Guided Walks
Guided day trips
Local guides and natural history interpretation
Reserve a day trip to Mou Waho Island, Rob Roy Glacier, Blue Pools or Diamond Lake — check availability and trip details.
Wear sturdy hiking footwear
The trails include some uneven terrain and river crossings where good traction is essential.
Bring layered clothing
Alpine weather conditions can change quickly; pack breathable layers and a waterproof jacket.
Carry at least 1 liter of water
Stay hydrated during this 10km walk, with opportunities to refill from natural springs along the way.
Use trekking poles if needed
Poles can enhance balance and reduce knee strain, especially on uneven sections of the Bridle Track.
Waterproof hiking boots
Protect your feet and provide grip across forest trails and river crossings.
Layered clothing
Allows for temperature regulation as the weather shifts throughout the day.
Trekking poles
Help with stability and reduce impact on knees, especially on uneven track sections.
Daypack with water bottle
Carry your essentials, snacks, and sufficient water comfortably during the hike.