January Road Trip, 2011 | Arapuni - A dam, a swingbridge, and a whole lot of lake!

Arapuni is a "blink and you'll miss it town" plonked in South Waikato.  In fact, it really is a destination rather than something you'll likely stumble upon.  If you're into camping, walks and watersports, best you get out your map and start planning your next road trip.

The Arapuni Power Station built in 1929 is still in operation, but that's probably not what you'll come to experience.  It's likely to be the Arapuni Swing Bridge you'll need to cross to get there!  It is 152 metres long, very high, and has beautiful views over river beneath.  The walk to the swing bridge is just a few minutes from the main road.




Photo Credit | Arapuni Power Station - Arapuni Swing Bridge

The Arapuni Dam is further along the main road which you can see from the roadside, or take a nice shady stroll through native bush (around 30 minutes, 2kms one way).  There are a few tree roots to navigate underfoot, and very steep cliff faces to one side (so don't let either your dogs or children wander off the marked tracks).

For the water-lovers, it will be Lake Arapuni that you'll be itching to access.  On the northern arm you can do so via Jones Landing (boat ramp) or your GPS may send you to the DOC campsite on Arapuni Lake Road, quite some distance from the Arapuni township. 

Either way, expect like-minded others and metal roads.




Photo Credit | Lake Arapuni DOC campsite

Where on Earth is Arapuni?
South Waikato, North Island, NZ


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