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Crystal-clear waters of Te Waikoropupu Springs Photo By Pseudopanax –

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Te Waikoropupu Springs

Te Waikoropupu Springs are located in South Island, New Zealand. It is approximately 8 km west of the Takaka township in Golden Bay. They also go by the name Pupu Springs.

The springs are well known for the amount and clarity of water discharged. For every minute, a total of 840,000 liters of water are produced from its main vents!

The springs were named by the Maori people. According to their culture, the waters of Te Waikoropupu represent the lifeblood of the Earth Mother, Papatuanuku, and the tears of the Sky Father, Ranginui.

During the holidays, the spring receives over 400 visitors a day. To make the most out of the scenic views, it is recommended you visit during the day when the sun is out. Then, you get a clear picture of the 鈥榙ancing sands鈥� i.e the small vents that push the sandy floors upwards.

1. Te Waikoropupu Springs are Spiritually Significant to The Maori People

Maori (M膩ori) with the original chief’s clothing made of feathered bird skin and with Maori tattoos on the face. Photo By W. Bulach –

The Maori are the second largest ethnic group in New Zealand. They are indigenous Polynesians who arrived in the country during the 14^th Century. They named the springs Waikoropupu to mean bubbling waters.

Waikoropupu is considered the home of Huriawa. She was one of the three supernatural beings of Aotearoa that lived in the water. She was considered a diver who would clear underwater passages from any form of blockage i.e fallen trees and tangled vegetation.

The Maori believe that clear water from the springs is spiritual and a physical source of life. The Pupu springs were once used for healing as they believe the pure freshwater could rejuvenate damaged life force. They were also places of receiving blessings during celebrations of birth and death.

2. It is Ranked as The Second Clearest Water in New Zealand

As of 2018, Te Waikoropupu Springs had a water clarity of 76%. Water clarity is defined as the depth through water that is visible to the naked eye. The clearer the water, the lower the concentration of soil particles and/or algae.

In 2007, the government prohibited swimming in the springs as this posed a threat to the water visibility due to the increase in nitrate level that would possibly increase algae reproduction. Although diving is permitted, only a few divers have been allowed to do so. The water undergoes testing regularly to ensure nitrate levels are controlled.

Aside from Pupu springs, Blue Lake in New Zealand has the Earth鈥檚 clearest natural fresh water with  70 鈥� 80 meters in depth. The Lake is solely for sightseeing as activities such as swimming and diving are restricted.

3. Te Waikoropupu Springs is The Largest Fresh Water Spring in New Zealand

The Pupu springs are the largest springs in New Zealand. They are the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. The water is as cold as 11.7⁰!

The Western Springs in Auckland is the second largest fresh water and Hamurana Springs near Rotorua takes third place.

4. Its Volume of Water Can Supply A City of Over 2 Million People

For each second, the 8 vents of the Pupu Springs discharge 14,000 litres of water. This is estimated to fill 40 bathtubs and can be enough to supply a city with an average population of over 2 million people.

5. Te Waikoropupu Springs Have Been A Picnic Site Since The 1800s

Picnic in the woods Photo By Marsden Kemp fonds –

Te Waikoropupu springs had been a picnic site since the 1880s. The springs were privately owned by the Campbell family until 1979 when they were sold it to the government. Aside from being a picnic site, the springs attracted a lot of adventurous visitors who would then explore the freshwater under no restrictions.

Today, the springs are under administration by the Department of Conservation.  The water body is protected by the Resource Management Act of 1991. As of May 2022, the Water Conservation Order for Te Waikoropupu Springs and Associated Bodies is pending and awaiting approval from the Environmental Court.

6. It is Part of Te Waikoropupu Springs Scenic Reserve

Te Waikoropupu Springs form part of the Waikoropupu Spring Scenic Reserve. The spelling and pronunciation of Waikoropupu were not consistent as they changed over the years. The place was once called Waikoromumu, Waikaremumu and Bu Bu.

It late grew into Pupu Springs Scenic Reserve and in 2010, it fully adapted its current name Te Waikoropupu Springs Scenic Reserve. Tourists get to explore the natural springs through a nature trail. A picnic site is also provided within the Scenic Reserve.

7. The Floor of Te Waikoropupu Springs Are A Submerged 鈥楪arden Of Eden鈥�

Wakoropupu Springs. Photo By Justin Fail –

Aside from being covered by sand, the floor of the Pupu springs has its own biodiversity. The constantly cool waters are home to a variety of plants and sea animals. Its moss species are found nowhere else in the world as they are a form of natural variation due to environmental adaptation.

8. The Main Source Of  The Te Waikoropupu Spring Water Is Rainfall

Te Waikoropup奴 River and Te Waikoropup奴 Springs Photo By Schwede66 – There are two groups of springs in Te Waikoropupu, the Main Spring and the Fish Creek Spring. They both get their water from the Takaka Valley whose main source is surface rainwater.

The Main Spring consists of the dancing sand and gets the majority of its water from the Karst Uplands of Takaka Valley. The main source of water for the Fish Creek Spring is the Upper Takaka River and Valley Rainfall. The springs drain their water into the Takaka River.

9. The Springs Are Part of the Historic Gold Water Race Walk Trail

Pupu Walk Way is a 5.5 km trail retracing the water race of Pupu Hydro Station. The track was opened in 2003 and it takes approximately 2 hours to complete the full loop. Most part of the walkway is within Kahurangi National Park.

The trail passes through forest, bushes, and the historic gold water race. The water race was constructed to support the gold mine at the Waikoropupu Valley in 1902. The eastern view of the walkway shows the Takaka Valley.

The walkway is used as a hiking/walking trail and bird watching site. Children are allowed to participate in the walks but must be supervised by an adult.

10. Te Waikoropupu Once Had A Viewing Platform

After word spread of the crystal-clear waters of the springs, many came to visit in their horses and some by foot. In the 1900s, an elevated platform was set up to enable the proper viewing of the spring. Nearly 8 decades after that, a periscopic box was put up for underwater viewing.  

The anticipated success of the jetty-style box did not come to pass and in 2012, it was removed. It had proved to be an intrusion into the spring ecosystem.