Aratiatia Dam and Rapids
Aratiatia Dam and Rapids and Huka Falls are two must-see attractions for any visit to Taupo!
Every day the dam gates open flooding the peaceful gully below with water and transforming it into raging rapids. It has to be seen to be believed!
The dam opening attracts around 100,000 visitors each year.
When do the Aratiatia Dam gates open?
The gates open daily at:
10am
12pm
2pm
4pm (extra opening in summer months)
Huka Falls River Cruise trips depart 30 minutes after the gates open. So you have plenty of time to enjoy the raging rapids before or after your boat trip.
Why do the Aratiatia Dam gates open?
Mercury Energy releases water down the Aratiatia Rapids several times a day so visitors can enjoy the rapids as they once were before the dam was built.
A minimum of 65,000 litres of water per second is released. It takes about 15 minutes and re-creates one of the top free tourist attractions in Taupo.
Why do the Aratiatia Dam gates open?
Mercury Energy releases water down the Aratiatia Rapids several times a day so visitors can enjoy the rapids as they once were before the dam was built.
A minimum 65,000 litres per second is released each time which takes 15 minutes and re-creates one of the top free tourist attractions in Taupo.
Huka Falls and Aratiatia Rapids are two must-see attractions for any visit to Taupo!
Every day the dam gates open flooding the peaceful gully below with water and transforming it into raging rapids. It has to be seen to be believed!
The dam opening attracts around 100,000 visitors each year.
When do the Aratiatia Dam gates open?
The gates open daily at these times:
10am
12pm
2pm
4pm (extra opening in summer months)
Huka Falls River Cruise trips depart 30 minutes after the gates open giving you plenty of time to enjoy the raging rapids before or after your boat trip.
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Are there lookout points to view Aratiatia Rapids?
There are three lookout points for Aratiatia Rapids. You can view the dam opening from the bridge on Aratiatia Road off SH5, opposite the Huka Falls River Cruise jetty.
Two further lookouts are further downstream of the river – allow yourself extra time to walk to these.
The midway lookout allows you to be a lot closer to the rapids and offers a great vantage point for photos – we highly recommend this spot!
What is the history of Aratiatia Dam?
Aratiatia is the first of nine hydro-electric power stations on the Waikato River.
The powerful water of the river is harnessed by a dam to create hydro-electric energy.
Aratiatia Power Station was completed in 1964 and has a total kilowatt output of 84,000kw.
Have any movies been filmed at Aratiatia Rapids?
Yes, Aratiatia Rapids are a popular filming location for high profile Hollywood movies.
Films like The Hobbit, Yogi Bear and Without A Paddle have all shot scenes here.
**Important Safety Warning**
Swimming, fishing, kayaking and being in the river in the Aratiatia Rapids area is not permitted. The water levels vary, and the gates may open without warning at different times.
You could be injured or even die if you were caught out in the flow of the rapids. Check out this video of Aratiatia Rapids provided by Mercury Energy that shows how quickly the water level can rise.
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