Exploring New Zealand

Huka Falls Area Guide

The spectacular Huka Falls just north of Taupo are called Hukanui, or great body of spray, by the local Maori people, and are one of New Zealand's most visited natural attractions. Here the turquoise waters of the Waikato River, the only outlet for Lake Taupo, plunge over a narrow ledge at the rate of almost 250,000 litres (two Olympic-sized swimming pools) a second. A bridge crosses the river just above the falls, bringing you within mesmerising distance of the water. It's possible to spend some time just gazing at the force of the water but if you want to be closer still, the Huka Jet offers jetboat journeys up the Waikato River to the foot of the falls.

Near the Huka Falls, the Craters of the Moon geothermal area on Karapiti Road off the western side of state highway 1 is worth a visit for its sizzling and bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents.

Many of the other attractions in the area are clustered along Huka Falls Road, including the Volcanic Activity Centre, which has interesting displays on New Zealand's geothermal and volcanic activity.

Further north on state highway one, follow the source of all the steam to the Wairakei Geothermal Power Plant, the first in the world to use very hot water as the source of steam for driving the turbines. The power plant's visitor centre has information on the bore field and power house, and there is a lookout for views of the pipes wreathed in steam.

One of the best walks in the area leads from the centre of Taupo along the Waikato River to the Huka Falls, and on to the Aratiatia Rapids, a spectacular part of the Waikato River until the Aratiatia hydroelectric dam was built, cutting off the water supply to the rapids. The dam's control gates are opened several times a day to allow visitors to see the rapids in full flow.

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