Te Waihou Blue Spring Platform & Walkway Upgrade
Blue Spring
The Keir Projects team has wrapped up work at Te Waihou, home of the famous Blue Spring — one of New Zealand’s most stunning freshwater treasures. Working in collaboration with Raukawa and South Waikato District Council, we’ve delivered the Blue Spring walkway upgrade and constructed a viewing platform that’s safer, more accessible, and built to last.
- LOCATION
Hamilton, Waikato - COLLABORATORS
Raukawa,South Waikato District Council, Graymatter, Landowners - COMPLETED
2025
The project spanned both ends of the track, from Leslie Road through to the White’s Road entrance, and included a wide range of upgrades. All with the goal of enhancing visitor experience while preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the awa.
The track to Blue Spring is one of the most visited short walks in the region. But over time, narrow tracks, weather-worn structures, and high foot traffic took their toll. Keir Projects was engaged to deliver a full upgrade; widening sections of track, rebuilding stairs and boardwalks, improving access, and installing a new viewing platform near the spring itself.
From early-stage design input to final construction, the Keir Projects crew worked closely with Graymatter and the council to create practical, durable solutions that met both environmental and cultural goals.
The improvements now guide visitors along safer, more defined paths, keeping foot traffic on track and reducing damage to surrounding vegetation.
Working in a sensitive environment like Te Waihou came with a range of challenges — tight access, gear restrictions, weight limits, and the need to minimise our environmental footprint. Wherever possible, we used low-impact construction techniques, including custom piling methods and helicopter transport for materials like aggregate and timber.
All structural replacements along the route were completed by hand, with our crew managing everything from demolition to precision rebuilds.
Timber boardwalks and stairs were reconstructed using long-lasting materials, with all structures designed to integrate naturally into the surrounding landscape.
Working over water required additional safety measures and problem-solving, but the team’s experience in exposed concrete work, technical piling, and constructability in design meant we could anticipate and overcome issues as they arose.
Flowing at 42 cubic metres per minute, the Blue Spring produces some of the purest water in the world. And with thousands of visitors each year, the upgrades had to balance accessibility with preservation.
By widening paths, installing durable infrastructure, and guiding visitors along designated walkways, the Te Waihou/ Blue Spring walkway upgrade protects the spring’s fragile surroundings while making the experience more enjoyable for all.
We’re proud to have played a role in supporting both conservation and community access at such a special site. The finished walkway is now open from end to end — so if you haven’t yet visited the Blue Spring, now’s the perfect time.