Aratiatia Rapids

Visitors can watch the Aratiatia Rapids form several times a day when the dam gates of the Aratiatia River open up.

It's an impressive sight as the turquoise waters surge through the dam and fill up the shallow river bed over the course of around 15 minutes. 

At the site of the Aratiatia Rapids, the Waikato River falls 28 metres over one kilometre with the surging rapids being harnessed for environmentally sustainable hydroelectric power.

The rapids also provided the scenery to a few of the most exciting scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Fans of the movie may recall the scene of the dwarves escaping from the Elves by hiding in barrels which floated down stream.

There are two viewing platforms to witness the water action. The mid-viewing platform is a 5 minute walk from the car park while the top-viewing platform is a steeper 10 minute walk. 

Viewing Times:

Summer Hours: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm

Winter Hours: 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm