Located just off State Highway 1 north of Taupō, Aratiatia Rapids offers a spectacular and unique display of raw river power. Spill gates from a dam at the top of the rapids are opened several times a day, filling the narrow gorge with up to 90,000 litres per second of turbulent water. This is an unforgettable experience as visitors watch the transition to full-flow and back again - fully appreciating the awesome power of nature in the process. There's even a scenic two-hour hiking trail for outdoor enthusiasts between Huka Falls and the rapids, where incomparable views of the Waikato River await. Whether you're a nature admirer or just looking for a fun day out, Aratiatia Rapids definitely won't disappoint.