Thursday 30th April 2026
Huka Falls:
We headed on north, beyond the huge Lake Taupo, to where the Waikato River exits the lake. At one point, the Waikato narrows from about 100 metres wide, to just 15 metres, through a deep channel formed naturally by volcanic action, before exiting into the wider Waikato river over a final drop.
Approximately 220,000 litres of crystal clear water flows through the channel and over the falls, every second. The spectacle is breathtaking as the water surges through in a powerful torrent.
After crossing the bridge, we were able to visit the falls and view from the terrace alongside the channel.
The Arataitia Rapids:
Further north, the Waikato River widens into Lake Aratiatia, which has been created by a dam. Water from the lake is used, via a tunnel, to drive turbines downstream, via an underground 18 million litre surge tank, but this initially caused the famous Aratiatia Rapids to become a mere trickle, so to preserve the spectacle, 3 or 4 times a day at set times, water is released from the dam.
The river below the dam is almost instantly transformed from a small stream, to a raging torrent for around 15 minutes. You are able to view from a bridge over the river, adjacent to the dam, or from a viewpoint, about 5 minutes walk downstream.
Just a short post today. TTFN and see-u-later.
"See-u-Later" 