Aratiatia Rapids is a unique attraction located in Rotokawa. It is basically dam whose gates are opened every day to let out cascading water. The river Waikato flows down the cliff in full force and fills the valley underneath at a rate of 90,000 litres per second. It is an awe-inspiring sight as the river gushes down 28 meters. It is named after an ancient Maori explorer named Tia, who crossed this waterfall. Aratiatia literally means the stairway of Tia in Maori language. The force of the water is used to produce electricity in an ecological way. The gates are opened a few times a day, make sure you know the schedule before visiting this place.

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