Aratiatia Rapids
'stairway of Tia'
The Aratiatia Rapids are about 10 kilometres north of Taupo and at several specific times each day spill gates from a dam are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past. There are several excellent vantage points on the high rock bluffs that dominate this turbulent stretch of the river. At Aratiatia the Waikato River falls naturally through 28 metres in the space of one kilometre and this natural drop has been harnessed for environmentally-sustainable hydroelectric power.
There is a scenic reserve off Aratiatia Road which is used for recreational walking, mountain biking, sightseeing, and boating. There are walking tracks and viewpoints, picnic areas, toilets, and a boat ramp. A scenic two-hour hiking trail between Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids offers excellent views of the Waikato River. It passes through a 142 hectare reserve on the shores of Lake Aratiaitia at the top of the rapids. Mountain bikes are allowed on this trail.