Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway track. Photo / South Waikato District Council
Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway track. Photo / South Waikato District Council
Visitors continue to park in an unsafe manner at Blue Springs and Te Waihou Walkway near Putāruru as crowds flock to the visitor destination this summer.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), South Waikato District Council and NZ Police are renewing their urge for caution.
NZTA Waikatosystem manager Andrew Oakley said those accessing Blue Springs from State Highway 28 at Whites Rd must use the designated parking area and follow signs when crossing the road.
“Parking on the state highway is illegal in certain places, including no-parking zones marked by signs, no-stopping lines, or anywhere your vehicle could block other road users or pedestrians,” Oakley said.
“As more people visit the Blue Springs, we want everyone’s experience to be as safe and enjoyable as possible.”
South Waikato District Council executive manager for delivery Nick Murphy said recent upgrades to designated parking areas were designed to make visiting safer and easier, but personal responsibility remained crucial.
“Please be responsible and do not endanger yourself and others by parking dangerously,” Murphy said.
He also reminded visitors that parts of the walkway pass through privately owned farmland.
“Please be considerate of locals and property owners. Stay on marked paths and follow all signage for your safety and to protect the area.
“The Blue Springs is a place of cultural significance and natural beauty. Help us keep it special by respecting local customs and the environment.”
Police echoed those concerns, particularly as summer brought an influx of visitors to the area.
Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Taupō area road policing manager, said traffic could become busy at peak times.
The Te Waihou Walkway passes by the stunning Blue Spring.
“We’re asking people to drive with care, stick to speeds safe for the conditions and within the legal limits, and take extra care when crossing the road,” Troy said.
“A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.”
Visitors are also being reminded to take rubbish with them, as there are limited bins along the walkway.
“With more visitors heading to the springs than ever before, everyone is encouraged to plan ahead, drive with care, and be considerate of the local community,” Troy said.
The Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway was closed from the Leslie Rd end in June 2023 after a rockfall and slip.
After the closure, visitors used the Whites Rd (SH28) carpark entrance to gain access to the walkway, which caused an overflow of cars and significant safety issues on the adjacent, busy State Highway.
Following upgrades and safety improvements, the 4.7km-long walkway fully reopened to the public last year, seven months behind the original schedule.
Alongside work to secure rockfall at the site, the project included strengthening boardwalks and diverting the walking track away from unstable cliffs.
The carpark at the Leslie Rd end has also had its capacity tripled.
