About the Waikato River

The mighty Waikato River which flows through the middle of Hamilton and much of the Waikato, is the life force of the region. See below for some key facts:

• The name 'Waikato' comes from Maori and translates as 'flowing water'
• The river runs from Lake Taupo to Port Waikato (approx. an 18 hour journey)
• It is the longest river in New Zealand at 425km/264 miles
• The river flows through 8 hydro-electric dams
• Located on the banks of the river are: Wairakei geo-thermal station and the Huntly coal & fuel station
• The river generates approx. 4,000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year - about 13% of New Zealand's total electricity
• The 8 artificial lakes created by the power stations are popular recreation areas for fishing, boating and swimming