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WALK - Aratiatia Dam Walking Tour

From NZD $195.00

Duration: 5 Hours (approx.)
Location: Taupo, Acacia Bay
Product code: PQJRMD

Grade : Easy
Spa Park to Aratiatia Dam
Tour Duration: – Allow 5.5 to 6 hours
Walking distance and time: 10km, 3 to 3.5 hours

Shorter Option : Spa Park to Huka Falls
Tour Duration – Allow 4 hour for return trip
Walking distance and time: 3km, 1 hour (one way), 6km, 2 hours (return trip)

Please book walking tour to Huka Falls only HERE

Spa Park to Huka Falls

Please book walking tour to Huka Falls only HERE

You will meet us at our base in Acacia Bay, where we will set off by road to Spa Park to start the Rotary Track.

Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the Waikato River to Huka Falls, one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand. This is an easy hour and a half long walk suitable for the whole family.

We will begin our walk from Spa Park where you will have the option of a soak in the natural hot stream either at the start of or the end of your walk if you choose to return via the same track.

From here, the track winds along the Waikato River bank through light forest so you will be passing in and out of shade as you go. There are several undulating uphills and downhills along the terrain but it is never particularly steep or challenging. You will cross a few bluffs along the river to the mighty Huka Falls, with lovely views along the way.

Return via the same track or opt to walk another 2 hours further on to Aratiatia Dam

Note: Pick-up from Huka Falls is available if you do not want to walk back to start of track – but this must be advised at booking time so that we can organize a driver.

Spa Park to Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam

The Aratiatia Walkway continues down the east bank of Waikato River to Aratiatia Dam, one of New Zealand’s many hydroelectric generators along the Waikato River.

The track starts with a climb onto the cliff tops with magnificent views of the river. It then gradually descends and continues along the river through lovely bush cover as far as the SH1 bridge. After passing under the bridge, and climbing to a lookout over the Wairakei power station, the track opens out to grass and regenerating bush until you reach Aratiatia.

Here you can watch tthousands of litres of water being released from the Aratiatia Dam, creating a spectacular flow of water through a narrow gorge. These are also the famous rapids used in the filming of the barrel escape scene in Peter Jackson's movie, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

We will try to finish the walk when the Aratiatia spill gates are due to open at 12 (noon) or 2pm with an extra opening at 4pm in the summer months.

Pick-up from Aratiatia Dam.

Tour Includes

Professional guide
History and cultural values of the area
Snacks and refreshments (Spa Park to Huka Fall tour)
Packed lunch and refreshments (Spa Park to Aratiatia Dam tour)
DOC (Department of Conservation) fee
Transport to and from tracks – from our base. On request only (if you do not have your own transport) pick-up is available from Taupo CBD. Please call or email to arrange.

The Spa Park to Aratiatia tour includes a separate driver and guide as the starting and finishing points are at different locations.

Times (can be flexible with times for group bookings)

· 9.00 am

Starting Location

· TKA Base – Unit 2, 876 Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo

Price:

Spa Park to Aratiatia Dam