Summer warning for visitors to Blue Springs in South Waikato

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Te Waihou Walkway/ Blue Springs attracts about 45,000 to 50,000 visitors a year, but that comes with its own problems.

If you’re heading to Blue Springs this summer, there’s a warning for you - park correctly and don’t disrespect private property.

Locals have been complaining about blocked driveways, piles of rubbish and car accidents at the popular spot near Putāruru and authorities have put out the message ahead of the busy summer season.

It’s great to see the Blue Springs and Te Waihou Walkway getting more popular but visitors are urged to act responsibly, a message from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), South Waikato District Council (SWDC) and NZ Police said.

Labour Day long weekend saw hundreds of cars illegally parked along State Highway 28 near Putāruru’s Blue Spring Walkway.

Step one for those coming from State Highway 28/Whites Road is using the designated parking area and following the signs to cross the road safely, NZTA system manager for Waikato Andrew Oakley said.

“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.”

Blue Springs has dedicated parking areas, such as this one on Leslie Rd.

Safety concerns are on everyone’s minds with 45,000 to 50,000 people visiting the location a year. Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Taupō Area road policing manager, asked visitors and locals to drive carefully, take extra care crossing the road and, above all, to be patient.

Respecting private property was the message from South Waikato District Council executive manager for delivery Nick Murphy. Some of the walkway passes through private property and Murphy reminded people to stay on marked paths.

The announcement comes after months of complaints from residents about illegal parking, drones flying over cowsheds, blocked driveways and tourists wandering farms.

Despite the $100 infringement fee for parking on broken yellow lines, outlined in the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, residents said in October that hundreds of visitors had been illegally parking on State Highway 28 and Leslie Road.

Local man Peter Bishop told the Waikato Times in October that the community’s complaints “have been falling on deaf ears” with local authorities more keen to pass on the responsibility than take action to provide better facilities or traffic management.

Heading into the warmer months, the spot has been increasingly popular after it reopened in July after two years and $2 million dollars of work, and locals are bracing for the influx of tourists.