Aratiatia Rapids Viewpoint
Aratiatia Rapids Viewpoint
Maps
Photos
Information
Aratiatia Rapids Viewpoint is a very short walk to watch the impressive dam release of the Waikato River.
The spillway at the Aratitia dam is opened daily at 10:00 am, 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm (winter and summer) and also 4:00 pm in summer.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo |
|
|
Categories |
Contact
Reviews
Amy Lord
Ranking: 5/10
The water was beautiful but didn’t meet my expectations. It’s not really rushing out but more filled up a large area quickly. The Huka Falls was better but worth the trip if in the area during the times.
Mikkel Palleson
Ranking: 7/10
It is nothing compared to Huka Falls. It is free and nice to see, but be there on time. It filled up slowly and lacked something dramatic.
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 79 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Jenny and Till
Ranking: 10/10
Spectacular view! Very impressive when the valley gets flooded by the ice-blue water. Much less people as at the Huka Falls.
Caro G
Ranking: 8/10
Interesting place. The key to appreciating it 100% is to arrive to the bridge 15 mins before. Then walk 10 minutes to the middle view point until the water is released and once the first water pools are full walk as fast as possible to the highest view point located 5 minutes walk from the middle point.
Top Ranked NZ Deals Pass
Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Bob Fontaine
Ranking: 10/10
Great! Make sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to dam opening. The first viewpoint is an easy 5 minutes walk. The second one (higher + little more challenging walk) is 8 minutes walk from first viewpoint (so 13 minutes from car parking area). People who watched "The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug" will recognise this place ;-). You can also access the higher viewpoint via an asphalted access further up the main road for wheelchairs and so on. A must see when near Taupo.
Steffen
Ranking: 8/10
Close to the same are nice walkways, dam opens every few hours, which has become an event for tourists, more impressive than the Huka Falls.
Claudia Mueller
Ranking: 8/10
Impressive how the little creek rises to a kind of river.
Avoid Camping Fines!
The only camping map where each location is approved by every regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Anita Aleva
Ranking: 9/10
Great experience to see the water coming through the dam to fill the valley.
Gillian MacLaren
Ranking: 8/10
Some great lookouts - get there in time to walk to the higher vantage points. Also strolling by Lake Taupo - great ambience.
Nina Bille-Knudsen
Ranking: 9/10
Great!
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
J P Paulvast
Ranking: 8/10
on set hours the overflow of water takes the natural way. Wonderful to see and learn about 'White Power'.
Vanessa
Ranking: 10/10
This walk is great taking in the opening of the Dam gates, filling the rapids and pretty Huka Falls with good viewing points. Stunning.
jeffandlou
Ranking: 9/10
Watch the dam open and fill the gorge with water - pretty impressive!
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
