Wait for the dam gates to release the water, otherwise there isn't much to see!

The walk follows alongside the Aratiatia Dam’s spillway as the water makes it way back into the Waikato River. The walk is a straightforward 10-minute one-way walk to the upper lookout 620 metres away from the carpark. Walk on further to the top viewing platform. Watch the spillway gates open for an exciting view of the rapidly flowing water; it’s breathtaking to see.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Taupo, Central North Island
  • Distance: 1.20 km
  • Time needed: 55 Minutes
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Round Trip
  • Elevation: 298m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes

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Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The opening of the dam gates to release water over the rocks. Keep an eye on the gate times, 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and only in the summertime at 4 pm. Get there early and walk to the lookout view points.

Track Quality

Very Good

Hazards

There are cliffs around the walk so watch out if you get off the track. Steep drop off down to the river.

Transport

There is no public transport out to the start of this walk. There is motorhome parking in the carpark.

Water

No

Driving Instructions

The walk begins 13 km or 15 mins drive from Taupo. Take Wairakae Dr out of Taupo, then onto State Highway 5 – Thermal Explorer Highway. Turn right at Aratiatia Rd. There is a big carpark.

Area & Trail History

Aratiatia Power Station was the first hydroelectric power station on the Waikato River; it was built in 1960. From the Aratiatia Dam, the Waikato River drops 28 metres over one kilometre and is a sight to see when the spillway gates are opened four times a day. The Aratiatia Rapids has also featured in Peter Jackson’s movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug where Bilbo Baggins rescues the dwarfs from elves by hiding them in barrels which float down the river.

Map Location

Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk

Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk Carpark

The carpark is very easy to find.  Parking is available on both sides of the road. To find the track, cross over the road, so you are on the downside of the river. Look downstream of the river, and 25 metres to your right is the start of the track.

If you can time your walk to just before 10 am 12 pm or 2 pm you will see the floodgates open. Or 4pm in the summertime before April.

Viewing Platforms

Now walk along this track for around 5 minutes (250 m) then take the track to your left. This will take you down to the gorge mid viewpoint. 

Walk on a further 5 mins (35 m) to the top viewing platform.

If you have time up your sleeve, go back to the turnoff and turn left and walk out to the lookout. This is about 20 minutes. This lookout was built by the powerhouse workers, who lived right behind you. All you will see now is sealed roads and hectares of Blackberry bushes.

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More photos of the Aratiatia Rapids Walk

Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk (1)
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk (1)
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk (8)
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk
Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk

Walk on further to Huka Falls

The walk from Aratiatia Rapids Dam to Huka Falls is one of my favorite trails in the Waikato region. This 7-kilometer track follows the Waikato River with stunning views of the rapids and native bush.

The track is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, with gentle inclines and a mix of gravel and dirt paths.

Along the way, I enjoyed the crystal clear river water, diverse birdlife, and several lookout points that provide stunning views of the rapids and Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions.

The walk typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete one way, making it a great choice for a refreshing outdoor experience.

See more of my Taupo walks