South Waikato District Council Mayor Gary Petley has expressed his disappointment at the irresponsible behaviour of some visitors at Te Waihou Walkway / Blue Spring, while urging visitors to respect the environment and mana whenua.

It follows recent incidents in which non-degradable rubbish was dumped into a composting toilet at the site, causing it to clog, alongside reports of visitors throwing coins into the pristine waters and longstanding issues with dangerous driving and vehicle parking.

“We have people coming to Te Waihou, which has some of the cleanest waters in the country, if not the world, and somehow thinking it’s OK to be throwing coins in,” Mayor Petley said.

“There is a basic and non-negotiable expectation that those visiting the site will treat it with respect. Take your rubbish with you, do not litter, do not endanger yourself and others by parking illegally and never throw things into the water.”

Petley added that while Council’s team works hard to keep Te Waihou clean and accessible, there is a limit to what they can do if large groups of people are being irresponsible.

“It is a lot of work to do. Tourist numbers have shot up significantly because people see all these images that are posted online. While we want people to enjoy the site and our District, that can’t come at the cost of the environment or safety out there,” Mayor Petley said.

“We want to continue keeping it accessible, but visitors must also realise that being able to visit a place like this for free comes with personal and civic responsibility.”

The popular walkway had been partially close to the public following a rockfall in November 2023. Extensive repair and upgrading works were completed, and it reopened in June last year.

There has been a sharp rise in the number of visitors since then.

South Waikato Mana Whenua Raukawa are urging visitors to respect the land and environment.

“Te Waihou is a taonga tuku iho within the Raukawa rohe. It is a place of deep cultural, spiritual and environmental significance, and its waters carry mauri that must be protected,” a Raukawa spokesperson said.

“Raukawa welcome people to experience Te Waihou, but ask that all visitors understand their responsibility to behave with care and respect — for the wai, the whenua, and for those who hold enduring responsibility for this place.”

Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher reiterated the need for responsible tourism.

"The environment and ecology at the Blue Spring have been formed over many thousands of years, and deserve our respect and care," he said.

"We are pleased that it is so popular, but irresponsible behaviour by a handful can seriously damage this well-preserved environment. Waikato Regional Council stands with SWDC in their efforts to address this situation,” he said.

Council is putting up a number of portable toilets at the Leslie Rd end to accommodate increasing numbers. There is also increased parking, additional traffic signs and road markers put in place along Leslie Rd to prevent illegal parking.

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