Aratiatia Rapids — Attraction in North Island

Aratiatia Rapids is one of the most popular natural attractions in the North Island. Thousands of litres of water are released from the Aratiatia Dam creating a spectacular flow of water through a narrow gorge.

At the Aratiatia Rapids, the Waikato River falls 28 metres in the space of one kilometre. The surging rapids have been harnessed to produce environmentally sustainable hydroelectric power.

To view the Aratiatia Rapids gradually filling up, make sure you arrive a few minutes before the dam is due to release. There are three lookout points on the high rock bluffs that overlook the river.

Aratiatia Rapids IS NOT a safe place to swim. The dam can release water at any time and without warning.

Summer release hours (October to March) - 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm

Winter release hours (April to September) - 10am, 12pm, 2pm

Important safety warning Swimming IS NOT permitted at the Aratiatia Rapids. It is extremely dangerous and sadly death and injuries have occurred in the past. The dam can potentially open at anytime.

Before every opening of the dam warning sirens can be heard. Listen out for these warnings and ensure only viewing from a safe viewing point. Please note that the dam gates may release at any time without warning!

Stay out of the Aratiatia Rapids spillway and downstream area at ALL times. Never enter, swim or kayak in this area.

Pay attention to signs, safety warnings and sirens. These safety warnings are in place to keep us all safe.

Remember the only way to stay safe is to stay out of the spillway and downstream area completely.

Be aware that planned and unplanned water spills may occur at any time without warning. The spillway is live at all times, even if the siren...

The flood gates at Aratiatia Power Station open at 10A, 12P, 2P, (and during the summer, also at 4P) each day so you can gawk at the amazing water flow. It's free to watch!

There are 3 places to view the water. On the bridge, right where the dam opens, a lower platform (cross the road from the parking lot to get to the start of the trail and it's an easy 5 min walk), and the upper platform (about a 10 min walk, mostly uphill. You can drive closer to that platform, but we didn't see where to take the turn off).

They blast a siren 4 times before they open the gate for the scheduled openings (8, 4, 2, and 1 min before the gates open). (Don't know if they blast the siren before an unscheduled opening so don't go swimming in the water thinking you'll have enough warning. The water rises very quickly and sadly people have died.)

The bridge is very accessible and easy but you only see the first pools fill up and don't get to see the canyon fill up, which we thought was the most interesting. The high platform is interesting because you get to see the whole thing at a bird's eye view, but we liked the lower platform the best, where you can still see the flood gates open but also see the canyon level water rise quickly.

It's a short stop but it's quick to get to from Taupo...

“Aratiatia Rapids... When the Dam Says Unleash the Beast!"

This was next level.. After Huka Falls I pulled up here,and let me tell you,watching the dam open is like seeing Mother Nature flip the “Turbo Boost” button 🤯

Timing is everything,winter shows at 10am,12pm,2pm… summer flexes with an extra at 4pm.. Don’t be late or you’ll just be staring at a dry river like “huh?” 😂. Arrive 5–10 mins early to snag a park and a decent spot,cause once it’s full,you’ll be stuck at the back trying to see through someone’s uncle’s hat.

Then BOOM 💥.... Three sirens,gate opens,and suddenly that empty river becomes a raging icy blue beast in seconds... It’s stunning,but also makes you think what if the dam broke? (me: 👀 “yep, I’m moving to higher ground real quick”).

Upper deck,lower deck both views slap... Not heaps of parking tho,so plan smart... Definitely an experience every first timer should tick off... And best part? It’s close to Lake Taupo.

Verdict: 10/10 Nature’s version of a YouTube “before & after” transformation. 💦🔥

“Logan was here… survived the sirens and the...