Blue Pools & Makarora Bridle Track Guided Walk

Layered clothing suitable for changing alpine weather, a waterproof jacket, and a sunhat. Even on sunny days, conditions can change quickly in the mountains or on the lake.

Footwear recommendations:

1. Sturdy hiking shoes are the best choice. They offer good support, protection & durability across varied terrain.

2. Trail running shoes are ideal if you prefer something lighter, and they’re better than standard road runners thanks to their grippy soles.

Road running shoes don’t always provide enough traction or support on uneven, wet, or rocky surfaces, so we don’t recommend them.

While we are a drier part of the country, the green hills and forests you see representing NZ require rain and that can make for slippery conditions under foot.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera or phone (we promise you'll want photos).

We supply walking poles (if needed) and some snacks or refreshments depending on the trip.

• Actual walking distance: 5 km (return)

• Actual walking time: 2 hours (return)

• Altitudes: lowest: 350 m and highest: 562 m

• Grade: average fitness

Yes, our trips are family-friendly! Children need to be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and accompanied by an adult. We generally recommend ages 4 and up for Mou Waho and 8+ for Rob Roy or Heli Hikes due to the length of the walk and terrain. 

For the Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk we can accommodate infants and provide a back pack carrier if required. 

Safety comes first. We monitor forecasts closely and may delay or adjust departure times for better conditions. If we need to cancel due to unsafe weather, we’ll offer an alternative date or a full refund.

You are encouraged to call us the day before on +64 (0) 27 923 1420 the day before and we can give you the latest updated on what conditions you should prepare for. 

For the Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk, cancellations are primarily due to strong winds on the lake, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. We proceed in light rain, but if official weather warnings are in place, we will cancel to prioritize safety.

For day walks, we follow MetService warnings and cancel when advised to avoid hazardous conditions. If heavy rain is forecast with no expected improvement, we may cancel or offer an alternate hike in a safer location. Guest safety is our top priority, and we will always adjust plans to ensure the best possible experience while keeping everyone secure.

For the Lake Cruise and Island Nature walk if we were to cancel it would normally be for wind strength on the lake and we normally proceed when light rain is forecast but will cancel when warnings are in place. 

For the day walks we cancel when warnings are in place with MetService. If the forecast suggested no let up in the rain we would cancel and/or offer an alternate hike opportunity (often the weather is better closer to Wanaka). 

For Heli Hikes we must watch for low cloud cover, wind and rain which can affect visibility. 

Yes. All our guides are qualified in outdoor first aid, experienced in leading wilderness hikes, and equipped with communication devices and first aid kits are carried and in the vessels/vehicles.

Absolutely. We love crafting personalised experiences for couples, families, or small groups. Just let us know your interests or special requests.