Aratiatia Rapids

The Aratiatia Rapids are formed when thousands of litres of water are released from the Aratiatia dam into the Waikato River and the powerful flow through a narrow gorge creates a spectacular sight. The gates are opened a few times each day and are closed about 30 minutes later and the water resumes to a placid stream. Visitors can view the transition and marvel at the powerful force of nature by arriving a few minutes before the dam is due to release. The natural drop in the river is harnessed for hydroelectric power and there are many vantage points to watch this phenomenon.

The Aratiatia Rapids are a 10-minute drive away from Taupo and the carpark has a huge picnic area. Aratiatia means ‘Stairway of Tia’ and an early Maori explorer Tia passed through the gorge to discover Lake Taupo. There is an easy walking track from the carpark which leads to two lookouts. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the lower lookout and 10 minutes more to reach the upper lookout. The track is not wheelchair accessible so there is an alternate option to drive down Rapids Road where there is a bridge overlooking the river. The bridge is a minute away from the carpark and you can enjoy the rapids from a distance. The rapids are not safe for swimming at any time.