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Aratiatia Dam

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Situated approx 14km downstream from Lake Taupo, Aratiatia Dam is one of several hydro electric power stations located along the Waikato River.

Aratiatia Dam is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions on the Waikato River, attracting more than 60,000 annual visitors with its famous river rapids.

At 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm (summer) daily, the dam gates open to allow a surge of water to pass down at a rate of up to 90,000 litres per second. After 30mins, the spill gates are closed and the water recedes, leaving behind a dry riverbed.

A road bridge across the top of the rapids provides the best vantage point to view this incredible force of water, and there are also 2 lookouts located around 15mins walk down the river. The area has also had extensive landscaping.

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Further Information: Meaning the 'the stairway of Tia' in Maori, the name Aratiatia originates from the rapids below the dam, which resemble a series of steps.
Things to do: Lake Aratiatia is a great spot for fishing, with boat brown and rainbow trout, and there is also a tourist jet boat. Further downstream, the Ngaawapurua Rapids attract white water kayakers from throughout the country.