The
Waikato River is a major river in the
North Island of
New Zealand. It drains
Lake Taupo and flows north through the middle of the North Island to the city of
Hamilton then flows north and wet to empty into the
Tasman Sea south of
Auckland.
The river is 425 km long and has been a critical communications and transport link for the communities along its banks.
It also has spiritual meaning for the local
Maori tribe who regard it as a source of their
mana or pride.
The water of the river has been harnessed for electricity generation. There are 8 hydroelectric power stations and one thermal power station on the river.
The hydro stations, starting from Lake Taupo, are:
- Aratiatia (84 MW)
- Ohakuri (112 MW)
- Atiamuri (84 MW)
- Whakamaru (100 MW)
- Maraetai (360 MW)
- Waipapa (51 MW)
- Arapuni (171 MW)
- Karapiro (96 MW)
The thermal plant is Huntly Power Station (1,000MW) which is cooled by river water and can burn both
gas and
coal.
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