Aratiatia Rapids

The Aratiatia Rapids are two kilometers on the Waikato River. A number of years ago, the government put a power house and dam just above the falls effectively cutting off the water to the rapids. To keep the level of the dam constant, the power plant opens the control gates at various times during the day filling up the rapids again. Te gates open for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a day. It is amazing to see the empty falls, see the gates open and the see the resulting rapids.

Looking into the pool right below the release gates

Same pond after full release from the dam

Another view of the full pond

The rapids below the upper pool - before the water release

As the released water starts to reach the lower rapids

Another view of the empty rapids

         

                                                                                       The rapids starting to fill

The photos below are a succession of the lower rapids filling

The photo to the right is wood ear fungus that was growing along the trail to the lookout over the rapids. If you've ever eaten hot and sour soup in a Chinese restaurant, you've eaten wood ear fungus. I've cooked with it but have never seen it growing.












So we leave the Lake Taupo region tomorrow and head for the East Cape. We will spend the next 2 1/2 days driving along the cape and visiting various beaches and points of interest. Our destination is Tiniroto where we will spend a few days visiting Jean and Terry (Trevor's folks.) We're spending our last night here finishing up Ernie's rainbow trout and watching the USA play Russia in the world Cup. Right now, the US is winning (10 - 3) and it's 30 minutes into the game. There's 50 more minutes of play and anything can happen. The US lost their first game but game a really good showing.

More stuff to come in a few days. Y'all take care!