Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam.

Distance: ~8.5 km
Grade: Beginner • Moderate level of fitness recommended
Time: ~2–2.5 hours
Terrain: Riverside trail • Native bush • Volcanic landscape
Finish: Aratiatia Dam • Return shuttle to Huka Falls

HUKA FALLS TO ARATIATIA ADVENTURE

Follow the Waikato River to an Explosive Finale

Experience one of Taupō’s most spectacular riverside walks, following the Waikato River from Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam.

Beginning near the mighty Huka Falls, the 8.5km trail leaves the crowds behind and winds alongside the Waikato River through native bush, volcanic landscapes and beautiful river viewpoints.

The adventure finishes at Aratiatia Dam, where you can time your arrival with the famous dam release. Watch as the floodgates open and the peaceful riverbed transforms into a powerful surge of water through the gorge below.

Choose to experience the trail with a local FourB guide, or walk independently and have our shuttle collect you from Aratiatia Dam for the return journey to Huka Falls.

One river. Two iconic Taupō attractions. One great walk.

LOGISTICS

Distance: 8.5km
Walking time: Approx. 2–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Beginner walking trail
Fitness: A moderate level of fitness is recommended
Start: Huka Falls / FourB Base – 413 Huka Falls Road
Finish: Aratiatia Dam
Departure: 10:00am
Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes before departure
Return shuttle: 12:30pm from Aratiatia Dam

The trail is walked one way from Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam, meaning there’s no need to retrace your steps.

Plan to arrive at Aratiatia in time for the dam release, then meet the FourB shuttle for your return to Huka Falls.

Comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the day's weather conditions are recommended.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

GUIDED HIKE — $299 PP

Join a FourB local guide from Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam, discovering local stories, volcanic landscapes and some of the best viewpoints along the Waikato River.

Includes a snack, water, safety equipment and return shuttle after the Aratiatia Dam release.

WALK YOUR WAY – SHUTTLE ONLY — $15 PP

Explore the Huka Falls to Aratiatia trail at your own pace, then meet the FourB shuttle at Aratiatia Dam at 12:30pm for your ride back to Huka Falls.

You do the walking. We’ll take care of the ride back.

BOOK GUIDED HUKA FALLS - ARATIATIA
BOOK SHUTTLE ONLY