Today we decided to go for a local walk, a circuit starting at Huka Falls and to the Prawn Park (!) and back. The track doubles as a footpath and mountain bike track passing through some lovely light bush areas on the way East and thicker bush on the way back. A total of about 5 miles (8km). When we can get our bikes out of storage we will definitely be riding this route! The weather was lovely, 75*F (25*C). Welcome to an NZ Spring!
Huka Falls is in the Waikato River which has its source at Lake Taupo. Taupo has 21 rivers feeding it and one draining it. It all goes over Huka Falls. From there the Waikato flows north to the Tasman Sea. The falls are surrounded by natural bushland and are at the end of a narrow gorge which channels the water. There are jetboats and a tour boat which will bring you up the river to the falls. You get a lot wetter in the jetboat!
The water going over the falls is an amazing turquoise.
Aratiatia rapids
A 4km walk or drive downstream from the Huka Falls the Waikato river is a dam which creates Lake Aratiatia. The water from this dam powers the first of 8 hydroelectric power plants on the Waikato which produce most of the North Island’s energy. To maintain the desired water level in the dam, two or three times a day the dam gates open and release a huge surge of water, creating the Aratiatia Rapids. This is well worth a visit! There are three viewing points all of which give terrific views. For the adventurous, there is a jet boat that will take you up the rapids when the dam gates open.
The rise in water level in the river bed is incredible, it goes from placid, deep pools in a deep gully to a raging torrent 15 feet deeper. Each release lasts 15 minutes and it takes another 15 for the water level to return to its placid state. Very impressive to see close up.
