Discover Lake Karāpiro
Lake Karāpiro is a long, man-made lake on the Waikato River, just southeast of Cambridge in the Waikato region. The lake sits in a tranquil rural landscape, with calm waters that make it perfect for water sports, family recreation, and regattas. Formed by the construction of Karāpiro Dam in 1947, it is both a key part of New Zealand’s hydroelectric network and one of the country’s most important rowing venues.
The 300-hectare lake stretches across the river valley, backed by low rolling hills. At the southern end sits the Karāpiro Power Station, the last in a chain of eight hydro dams on the Waikato River. The Mighty River Domain on the lakeshore is the centre for rowing and water sports, home to the Sir Don Rowlands Centre built for the 2010 World Rowing Championships. Anglers come here for trout fishing, while walkers and cyclists enjoy nearby trails with views across the water.
Culture & History
For Ngāti Hauā and other Waikato iwi, this section of the river was an important travel route and food-gathering place. The name Karāpiro is somewhat tragic, combining karā (basaltic stone) and piro (foul smell). It recalls a battle at Taumatawīwī in the early 1800s, where bodies were burned on river rocks.
European development brought the Waikato Hydro scheme, with Karāpiro Dam completed in 1947, flooding the earlier Horahora power station and nearby pā sites. Since then, the lake has become the home of New Zealand rowing, producing Olympic champions and hosting major international events.
Getting There
Lake Karāpiro is about 8 km southeast of Cambridge. From the town, you can either follow Maungatautari Road to the Mighty River Domain, where there is parking, picnic areas, and event facilities. Access is free outside major regattas. Alternatively, you can take State Highway 1 and then turn off onto Hydro Road. Both options allow you to cross the dam by car, with views of the power station and across the lake.
While in Cambridge, enjoy its boutique shops, cafés, and weekend markets. The Waikato River Trail provides further walking and cycling options, and the Maungatautari Ecological Reserve is just a short drive south for native forest walks and birdlife. Another option is to check out the historic swingbridge at Arapuni, the next power station south along the Waikato River.
