Aratiatia Power Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aratiatia |
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Aratiatia Rapids with opened spill gates
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | near Taupo |
| Coordinates | 38°36′57″S 176°8′33″E / 38.61583°S 176.14250°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1964 |
| Owner(s) | Mercury Energy |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Waikato River |
| Reservoir | |
| Surface area | 55 ha (140-acre) |
| Power station | |
| Operator(s) | Mercury Energy |
| Type | Run-of-the-river |
| Turbines | 3× Francis |
| Installed capacity | 78 MW (105,000 hp) |
| Annual generation | 331 GWh (1,190 TJ) |
The Aratiatia Power Station is a special place in New Zealand. It's a hydroelectric power station, which means it uses the power of moving water to make electricity. It's found on the Waikato River in the North Island. This station was the very first one built on the Waikato River. It's about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away from Lake Taupo. The company that owns and runs Aratiatia is called Mercury Energy.
Aratiatia is mostly a "run-of-the-river" station. This means it uses water as it flows naturally, rather than storing huge amounts in a big lake. It takes water that flows from Lake Taupo and sends it towards the Ohakuri Power Station. However, it does have a small lake behind it, about 55-hectare (140-acre) in size. This lake can hold water for a short time if needed.
The name Aratiatia has a cool meaning. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage says it means "pegged ladder."
Aratiatia Rapids: A Natural Wonder
Before the power station and dam were built, the Aratiatia Rapids were a famous natural sight on the Waikato River. People loved to visit them! They were even made a special "scenic reserve" in 1906 to protect their beauty.
When the dam was built, it stopped the water from flowing over the rapids. This meant the rapids became dry. But don't worry, you can still see them in action! Several times each day, the dam gates are opened. This lets a huge amount of water rush through, bringing the rapids back to life. It's a powerful and exciting sight!
There are special viewing spots where you can safely watch the water. These spots are on high rock cliffs that look over the fast-moving water. It's a great place to see the river's power.
