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.

  • 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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Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk

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.

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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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