Karapiro
Karapiro is the last in the chain of hydro power stations on the Waikato River and is 188km downstream of Lake Taupo. The lake is probably best known as a world-class rowing venue and the location for many other water sports events including yachting, powerboating and water-skiing.
As the last station on the Waikato hydro system, Karapiro is available to help manage flows in the lower river. Even at times of low inflows to the catchment and low electricity demand, the station operates to meet minimum required flows in the lower river. Transmission lines connect the station with the national grid at Hamilton, as well as supplying regional sub-stations at Hinuera and Te Awamutu.
There is a museum at the Karapiro power station where visitors can learn more about electricity generation and the history of the Waikato hydro scheme.