Blue River (New Zealand)

Blue River
Blue River gorge at Blue Pools
Route of the Blue River
Location of the Blue RIver
Location
Country	New Zealand
Physical characteristics
Source	Eyetooth
• location	Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
• coordinates	44°05′09″S 169°07′57″E / 44.08581°S 169.13259°E / -44.08581; 169.13259
• elevation	1,600 metres (5,200 ft)
Mouth	Makarora River
• coordinates	44°09′47″S 169°16′14″E / 44.163105°S 169.270692°E / -44.163105; 169.270692
• elevation	320 metres (1,050 ft)
Length	18 km (11 mi)
Basin features
Tributaries
• left	Blue River North Branch
• right	Blue River South Branch

The Blue River is a small river in the South Island of New Zealand. It flows its entire length within the Mount Aspiring National Park, and although on the southeastern side of the main divide, the river is within the boundaries of the West Coast region for its entire length.

The headwaters are southeast of the main range of the Southern Alps near the mountain Eyetooth, with the smaller Blue River North Branch and South Branch joining the main Blue River later. Shortly before flowing into the Makarora River, the river passes through a narrow gorge.

At its confluence with the Makarora River, the aptly named Blue Pools are the destination of a popular^[1] short walk from State Highway 6, with a bridge crossing the Blue River and providing good views upstream into the gorge and downstream over the river flowing into Makarora River.^[2] The longer Blue Valley tramping track leads deep into the Blue River Valley and along most of the length of the river.