Nearby

Nearby Aratiatia Dam and Rapids

Aratiatia Dam is 13km out of Taupo so while there you may as well make the most of your drive and check out what is nearby…

Huka Falls River Cruise

Huka Falls River cruise starts from the Aratiatia Dam car park. Take in the Aratiatia Dam opening over the Aratiatia Rapids then take a Cruise on Huka Falls Cruise. The cruise duration is 1 hour 20 minutes and is the best way to take in Huka Falls.
Staff on the cruise are very friendly and informative with loads of local knowledge from the amount of water cascading over Huka falls to what movies were filmed on the river where you are cruising. Located 12 minutes out of Taupo town, 12.6km from Taupo Information centre. Rotorua is not too far away, Aratiatia Rapids and a Huka Falls cruise is an easy half day trip if coming from Rotorua. 55km Rotorua to Aratiatia Dam/rapids, a pleasant 55 minute drive

Huka falls only cruise boat is a must while visiting Aratiatia Dam. Prices are from $42, cruises depart 4 times a day.
Aratiatia Road
Taupo
Phone: 0800 278 336 
Website: www.hukafallscruise.co.nz

Rapids Jet is Taupo’s Number 1 ranked jetboat experience (Check out Tripadvisor). Only a short distance from Aratiatia Dam makes it an easy choice for after viewing the dam opening. Locally owned and operated, the longest jetboat option around, the only Jet boat in New Zealand that goes through white water rapids, not to mention the cheapest!
Rapids Jet is located 3 minutes drive from Aratiatia Rapids, Nga Awa Purua Road. Call Rapids Jet today and make a booking, with Dam opening times you can see the Rapids on the way to your exhilarating Jet boat experience.
Nga Awa Purua Road, (off Rapids Road)
Taupo
Phone: 0800 727 437
Website: www.rapidsjet.com 

Lava Glass is located just 3 minutes drive from Aratiatia Rapids. With its glassblowing studio, gallery and glass sculpture garden it offers a unique window into the art of glassblowing. The gallery features original NZ inspired glass art by award-winning master glass artist Lynden Over. The perfect stop to shop extraordinary glass art and New Zealand souvenirs.

This one of a kind local attraction is well worth dropping in on your way to viewing the Aratiatia Dam or after. Open daily 9am to 5pm.
The Lava Glass Cafe has excellent homemade food and drinks available.

Phone: 07 374 8400
Website: www.lavaglass.nz