Go for the dam water release times (10, 12, 2 each day) and head for the first look out point (or second if you don't mind a short hike). The water release gradually turns a quite little gorge creek into a temporary raging torrent.

The gates are opened a few times per day (change during winter) and once the water starts to flow it's an amazing spectacle. Either side of the bridge will give you a great view but a short walk away, there are viewing platforms that give a completely different perspective. No cost and an amazing thing to experience. Worth the short... More

Easy access, fantastic viewing opportunities from the gate site and the viewing platforms. It is not difficult to stroll along the track to the viewing platform, clamber carefully over the last couple of metres and enjoy the spectacular view

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... More

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... More

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... More