Aratiatia
Aratiatia is the first hydro station and smallest hydro reservoir on the Waikato River. About 13 km downstream from Taupo, Aratiatia is largely a 'run of river' station passing water released from the Taupo Gates down to Lake Ohakuri.
The Aratiatia Rapids are one of the river's outstanding natural features. Mighty River Power releases water down the rapids several times each day, attracting more than 60,000 visitors annually. A road bridge across the top of the rapids, tracks and viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points from which to see the rapids.
The lake itself provides good fishing for both brown and rainbow trout and hosts a tourist jet boat operation. Downstream of the power station, the relatively unmodified section of the river hosts a tourist jet boat operation and the Ngaawapurua Rapids attract white water kayakers from throughout the country.
Aratiatia Rapids Water Release Times: |
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During summer: (1 October - 31 March)
10.00am - 10.30am
12 noon - 12.30pm
2.00pm - 2.30pm
4.00pm - 4.30pm
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During winter: (1 April - 30 September)
10.00am - 10.30am
12 noon - 12.30pm
2.00pm - 2.30pm
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