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The first dam in the Waikato Hydro power scheme. The gates are opened daily at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM in summer and 10AM, noon and 2PM in winter, which causes the spectacular recreation of the Aratiatia Rapids.
New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction located just to the north of town on the Waikato river. New Zealand’s largest river is forced between a narrow split in the bedrock. Quite impressive with flows often exceeding 220,000 litres per second.
An easy 45 min (2.75 km) walk through an active and ever-changing other-worldly geothermal wonderland.
From the end of the road, walk down to the hot-water Otumuheke Stream, where it flows into the Waikato River. There are hotter natural pools further up the stream from the confluence. There are toilets and changing rooms. You can also walk downstream along the Waikato River to Huka Falls.