Experience the intense power and energy of water, as the Waikato River is squeezed through dams and rapids in Taupō.
The best way to fully appreciate the mind-boggling volume of water is to begin at the famous Huka Falls.
220,000 litres of water per second funnel through the narrow rock channel – enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool in 11 seconds – before plunging 11 metres into a roiling mass of currents.
From the falls, follow the seven-kilometre track past the last viewing area and you can walk or mountain bike (carefully, as it’s shared use) along cliff tops and through native bush to the Aratiatia Rapids.
A feat of engineering, the Aratiatia Dam harnesses the energy of the mighty river to create hydroelectric power. Try to time your arrival for the opening of the gates – in summer, water is released at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm – to experience a sedate stream turn into a raging torrent.
