Aratiatia Rapids

A must visit, definitely! I recommend coming at like 15:55 so you can see the water release at 16:00. Also I would stand on the other side, without views of the dam (on the bridge). Stunning 🤩

Stunning display of the power of water. Deep blue pools of water running into churning cauldrons of white water. Really amazing. It is about 10 minute to the top lookout, and 5 mins to the lower look out. Both have great views.

A piece of advice: Show up early. The bridge and the view points can get very busy and, although it wasn't true during my visit, I can only assume parking can also be difficult during the peak tourist season. With that said, this is a great stop on the way to any number of other sites or activities in the area and it's pretty amazing to witness the landscape change once the doors are opened.

A fun, free outing. The dam wall opens daily at 10am, 12, 2 and 4pm. You can stand on the road footpath overlooking the dam itself, or at the lookout which is where we stood. You get to watch it go from empty to rushing rapids over the space of 10 minutes or so. The water was really blue and very impressive to watch, especially for free! We got to the lookout at 9:45am for the 10am one and were first there so we got a good spot. The lookout is sloped so even if you get there later you can still see ok. There are two lookouts over the dam, both easy to access by a short walk through the woods. There is also a third lookout over the hydro power station. There is a single drop toilet with no toilet paper in the car park. If you are going into Huka Falls afterwards, wait and use the toilets there as they are much nicer.

It’s cool to see, but don’t put time aside for it specially. It’s much cooler to just go see the natural power of the river at Huka falls. But if timings work out for you then it’s still amazing to see this. Came at 3:45 in November, got to the middle spot by 3:50 and there were 3 other people there. About 10 people by 3:55 ish.

These are an area of New Zealand river rapids downstream from the dam for the Aratiatia Power Station on the Waikato River. The rapids are extremely dangerous. With the station in operation, several times a day, the Aratiatia dam gates are opened, which restores the rapids to their normal operation. There are several lookout points to observe the rapids which is a popular tourist attraction. Advisable to go early to avoid crowds and the heat as well. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Toilets available. Cafe available. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Parking space is that easy to find in parking area.

Cool place to check out. We didn't see the release but it was still worth a visit. We arrived at 2.10pm on a Saturday and managed to get a parking spot easily.

Blue rapids released as a result of the Dam opening at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Recommend getting there about 15 mins prior. Parking can get crowded and walk to the mid point view for best location to view the rapids. The whole experience can take 45 mins. It's a beautiful scenic spot. There are coffee vans around. The top view climb is steep and recommended if you are fit.

Incredible flood of water from the flood gates showing off the mighty Waikato river. A magnificent sight from empty canyon to raging torrent in 5 minutes.

I found this place online and decided to check it out. The rapids are in a narrow canyon and are interesting by themselves. But if you come at the right time (10AM, noon, 2PM, etc), they open the floodgates - literally. Upstream there is a reservoir and they let water spill from that into the rapids, and it's incredible. Was was once a small stream transforms in a matter of minutes into a raging river with lots of rocks in it, creating the rapids. Seeing the transformation was truly impressive and really cool. If you get there a few minutes late, it's ok! You will still see the rapids raging. Definitely worth a short detour when driving between Rotorua and Taupo.

Come here when they open the dam if you really want to see some action. It's a good short hike to see the rapids.