This is a short fully accessible loop track suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. It goes through forest and streams to a platform that sits partly over the water of Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Discharging 14,000 litres of water per second, the springs are New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere. They contain some of the clearest water ever measured.
Te Waikoropupū Springs are about 7 km from Takaka. Follow SH60 north from Takaka on the road to Collingwood, turning left just beyond Takaka River. Follow Pupu Valley and Te Waikoropupū Springs roads to the car park.
Do not touch the water
The waters of Te Waikoropupū Springs, including Fish Creek and Springs River are closed to all forms of contact.
No fishing, swimming, diving, wading, boating, filling of drinking water containers, or any other activity where parts of the body or equipment contact the water.
Be careful of swift waterways
The cold, swift waterways of the springs reserve are dangerous – keep children under close supervision near the water.
No dogs allowed
Interpretation panels at the Whare Matauranga Marae at the entrance to the walk tell the story of the cultural and conservation values of the Springs.
To Māori the area of Te Waikoropupū is a taonga or treasure and a wāhi tapu, a place held in high cultural and spiritual regard, both locally and nationally.
The legends of Te Waikoropupū are told in the stories of Huriawa, its taniwha (guardian spirit).
In Māori tradition the springs are waiora, the purest form of water and provide water for healing. In the past, the springs were a place of ceremonial blessings at times of birth and death and the leaving and returning of travellers.
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |