Easy to find, watching the dam gates open with all the other tourists was both free (hard to find in Taupo) and fun. The views were magnificent and well protected from the traffic flow.

Easy to find, watching the dam gates open with all the other tourists was both free (hard to find in Taupo) and fun. The views were magnificent and well protected from the traffic flow.
Was very impressive seeing the valley fill with water as the dam wall is lowered. I think the mid-point viewing platform offers the best view of rapids but the high point gives a broader view of the area. Check the times especially in cooler months when the dam is released only three times per day.
Reading about this attraction we thought it was a must see.The flood gates are opened in summer at two hour intervils 10am, 12am, and 2pm times differ in winter.It was quiet spectacular to watch as the smallish falls turn into a raging torrant raising the level to quiet a hight in the river.I did find the 8 minute walking track...
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We drove here right after visiting Huka Falls. In the summer, they open the flood gates of the dam every two hours. We waited at a bridge downstream, heard the alarm, and watched as the water churned its way gradually toward us. You could watch as it filled up the different "steps" and flowed over to the next one, eventually...
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It was great, short walk and a great view. It was dramatic and impressive. Department of Conservation do an excellent job.
We did the walk from Huka Falls to the rapids. It's advertised to take 2 hours but it takes a little less than that. The walk is OK and gets a little confusing where it meets the new by-pass bridge. Remember not to cross the bridge and all is good.
The rapids are spectacular both without much water and then...
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This is amazing to watch. A hooter sounds just before the water is released from the dam and then the power of the rapids begins! It is an incredible site to watch and hear. There is also a nice walk along the bush to various look outs. It is released four times a day in Summer.
Our group of 4 were fortunate to have a beautiful day in Taupo. We travelled out to the dam which took about 20 mintues and waited for the dam to release water. I can't remember the numbers but many thousands of litres (or was it millions?) of water escaped the dam to fill this chasm. I thought it was to...
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This is an experience not to be missed. An amazing spectacle we loved it and would see it every trip to Rotorua if we had time. beautiful bush walk to look out and great to watch a show that is free, very entertaining and educational
Get to the site a good hour b/4 the dam opens and head downstream. Get a good seat to watch the water begin to fill the river gorge after the dam has opened. Spectacular
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