Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Nelson > Golden Bay > Te Waikoropupu Springs
Te Waikoropupu Springs
- Location
- Follow State Highway 60 north from Takaka on the road to Collingwood, turning left just beyond Takaka River. Follow Pupu Valley and Te Waikoropupu Springs roads to the springs' car park, 7 km from Takaka.
- Description
Te Waikoropupu Springs are New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the largest cold water springs in the southern hemisphere. They contain some of the clearest water ever measured and are set in a reserve that protects gold workings, regenerating forest and a fine patch of mature bush.
To Maori the area of Te Waikoropupu is a taonga or treasure and a waahi tapu, a place held in high cultural and spiritual regard, both locally and nationally. The legends of Te Waikoropupu are told in the stories of Huriawa, its taniwha (guardian spirit). In Maori 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.
A platform that sits partly over the water with a large viewer allows visitors to see the springs under the water. A suite of interpretation signs at the springs tells the full story of this fascinating and beautiful place.
- Level
- Easy
- Source
- www.doc.govt.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk