Taupo generation site river rapids

HYDRO.

We harness the power of water through our nine hydro plants along the Waikato River to produce about 10% of New Zealand’s electricity. The great thing about hydro generation is that it can be increased or decreased quickly to meet peak demand for electricity. Our hydro system is the largest peaker in the North Island – and located close to the country’s largest city Auckland.
HYDRO STATIONS
KARĀPIRO
Since 1947

188km downstream of Lake Taupō, the Karāpiro Lake is the home of NZ Rowing.
MARAETAI I AND II
Since 1952 and 1970

Combined they offer the largest output from any lake on the Waikato River.
ŌHAKURI
Since 1961

Lake Ōhakuri covers 12 sq km and is the largest lake on the Waikato River.
ARAPUNI
Since 1929

Protected under the Historic Places Trust Arapuni has the largest capacity of any station in the Waikato hydro system.
WHAKAMARU
Since 1956

The main switching station for upper Waikato generation and supplies the transmission system that leads north.
ARATIATIA
Since 1964

13km downstream from Taupō, Aratiatia is the smallest hydro reservoir in the Waikato Hydro System.
WAIPĀPA
Since 1961

The smallest power station on the Waikato River and is used to supplement other stations.
ĀTIAMURI
Since 1958

Originally designed for three generators, a fourth was later added and commissioned in 1962.
TAUPŌ GATES
Since 1941

The Gates help manage the volume of water flowing down the Waikato River, in response to inflows to Lake Taupō and energy demand.  [No text in field]

CHECK OUT OUR HYDRO STATIONS

Watch a short video on some of our hydro stations in action and see how they harness the energy that fills your home or business.
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Video Length: 4m 17s

UPGRADING OUR VITAL HYDRO ASSETS

We’re upgrading our vital hydro plants, some of which have been operating for over 80 years, so they can keep producing clean electricity reliably and efficiently for decades to come.

We’re applying state-of-the-art technology and engineering techniques – along with an approach that respects the heritage and original construction of the plants – to achieve gains in performance and efficiency.

We have completed upgrades to major generating equipment at Ōhakuri and Arapuni, along with upgrades now in progress at Whakamaru. The upgrade at Whakamaru will increase capacity at this station by 20MW to 120MW, and is due for completion in 2020.
Hydro river

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Video Length: 1m 53s

ELECTRICITY FROM WATER

Hydropower or water power is mechanical energy generated using the flow of water. Watch our video to see how we turn the flow of water into renewable electricity!
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Video Length: 0m 39s

WHAKAMARU TIME LAPSE

Watch 8 months' work in 30 seconds. Teams can be seen rehabilitating generator and turbine technology to make Whakamaru station more productive. Wonderful.