Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / North Island / Waikato Region / Taupo District / Taupo / Aratiatia Rapids

Aratiatia Rapids, Taupo

4.7

Landmark · Tourist Spot

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Marvel at the forces of nature (and engineering) at Aratiatia Rapids, a section of river diverted by a power station. Though normally a calm stream thanks to the nearby dam, the diversion gates open several times per day, allowing the river to flow at its full speed. As the gates open, you'll see 90,000 liters (19,800 gal) per second rage through the rocky gorge, frothing and bubbling as it tumbles down the slope. Hike your way up to one of the surrounding rock bluffs for a view overlooking the river and rapids. You can reach the site via a local bus route traveling between the area's popular attractions. Use our Taupo day trip tool to visit Aratiatia Rapids on your trip to Taupo, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.

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Aratiatia Rapids reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,235 reviews

Google

4.6

By JElliot32

Aratiata Rapids are located immediately below a large dam on the Waikato River. A consequence of damming the river here was to cut off the flow of water to this spectacular set of rapids. The...

Aratiata Rapids are located immediately below a large dam on the Waikato River. A consequence of damming the river here was to cut off the flow of water to this spectacular set of rapids. The... more »
By N7006JUtimk

We might have never gone but were directed there by person at the hotel. There is a dam on the Walkaito river for power generation that is opened 3-4 times daily to let out excess water down a gorge..... more

We might have never gone but were directed there by person at the hotel. There is a dam on the Walkaito river for power generation that is opened 3-4 times daily to let out excess water down a gorge..... more »
By Hillrun1

I had no real idea what to expect when we arrived at the parking lot. We just kind of followed everyone across the street and picked a spot to watch. In the summer, the dam releases a ton of water..... more

I had no real idea what to expect when we arrived at the parking lot. We just kind of followed everyone across the street and picked a spot to watch. In the summer, the dam releases a ton of water..... more »

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By Olive Paklong Lai

The flow was in continuous mode for maintenance when we went, but you still get the views. The short trail is easy to walk, with some small rocks on the way so if you're bringing strollers then it wouldn't be too convenient. There's a car park where the Aratiatia cruise is, wasn't crowded at all when we went on the Saturday PM. only thing was the maintenance so didn't get to watch the dam open/ close in action but overall photo worthy.

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By Melissa Rosamond Watt

This was a fab stop to watch the dam be opened and the rapids flow. Great for adults and kids alike. Be sure to go down the trail (across from the carpark) as you get a much better view than from the bridge. And free! Bonus for sure 😊

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By Dave Trayner

Excellent FREE experience. Time your visit to be 15 or 20mins before the release. Easy walk to mid platform but does have rocks in the path so no wheelchairs or buggies. Great to see the force of the waters race down the gorge.

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By KJ

This is a must-see! You will see how fast the area will be filled by natural water and quickly flow down to the lake once the dam gate is open. No ticket is required, simply park at the car park and walk a minute to the bridge!

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By Maggie Thompson

This visit to the Aratiatia rapids today was fantastic. The gates are opened 3 times daily. To watch the water flow down through the gorge was thrilling. Then we went on a boat cruise down to the Huka Falls. Absolutely marvelous, a very informative guide who provided the best service. Highly recommend

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