Aratiatia Rapids tracks
Located in Taupō area in the Central North Island region
Introduction
Several times a day the gates at the Aratiatia dam are opened to release the full flow of the river - a spectacular sight from the lookout points. Stay safe and keep clear of the rapids at all times.620 m | 7 km
Dog access
Keep clear of the rapids at all times
Never enter the spillway or downstream areas.
Aratiatia Rapids lookout walk
Time: 10 min
Distance: 620 m
The track leading to the two lookout points begins 50 metres from the bridge on the true right of the river. Before the water was diverted to the power station in 1964, the Aratiatia Rapids were the largest in Australasia - the Waikato River dropping 28 metres in just one kilometre. Today their full potential can still be seen during the scheduled daily releases. Each release lasts 15 minutes.
Opening times: 10 am; 12 noon; 2 pm (and also 4 pm 1 October - 31 March)
The tiers of the rapids and steep walls of the gorge are remnants of an ancient volcano. It is said the the name "Aratiatia" comes from the meaning "stairway of Tia". Tia was a leader from the waka Te Arawa, and passed through the gorge with a small party on route to discovering Lake Taupō.
These are also the famous rapids used in the filming of the barrel escape scene in Peter Jackson's movie, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Huka Falls to Aratiatia Rapids Track
Time: 2 hr walk, 45 min mountain bike
Distance: 7 km
Walk or ride to Aratiatia Dam from Huka Falls by following the track that begins after the last viewing area over the falls. The track climbs onto the cliff tops with magnificent views of the river.
It then gradually descends and continues along the river through lovely bush cover as far as the SH1 bridge. After passing under the bridge, and climbing to a lookout over the Wairakei power station, the track opens out to grass and regenerating bush until you reach Aratiatia. Try to finish the walk when the spill gates are due to open.
Return via the same track or arrange transport from Aratiatia.
Mountain biking
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
The Aratiatia Dam and Rapids are located on Aratiatia Road, off SH5 10 km north of Taupō.
Stay safe at the Aratiatia Rapids
Stay out: Keep clear of the Aratiatia Rapids spillway and downstream area at all times. Never enter, swim or kayak in this area.
Pay attention: Stay alert for the signs, sirens and safety warnings.
Be aware: Spills may happen at any time, even when there is no siren.
Spill schedule
- Scheduled viewing of tourism spill: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, (4 pm summer only)
- Controlled operational spill: Year round and anytime 24/7
- Uncontrolled water flow (without warning): Year round and anytime 24/7
- Major works are underway which will mean larger and more frequent dam spills
Contacts
| Taupo Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 376 0072 |
| Email: | taupo@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
37 Motutaiko Street Taupo 3330 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 528 Taupo 3351 |
| Full office details | |
