AWA — Jet Boat Experiences on the Waikato Awa, Taupō

The fog that blankets the rohe (region) of Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa is as familiar as the awa. Our river goes deep into the earth, it reaches into the land through tributaries, and the fog pulls it up into the air. There is nowhere in these lands that the river does not go.

Intense geothermal power pulses below the surface of the earth across this whole region, rising as steam from the banks of the awa and colouring the pools of Waiotapu like jewels. Like the awa itself, this geothermal activity cares for the wellbeing of Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa in many ways.

The Aratiatia Dam is one of eight dams embedded along the Waikato river. When the dam is opened, 80,000 litres of water roar through the Aratiatia rapids. While it is an awesome feat of engineering, the construction of the Aratiatia Dam changed the river and, by extension, our people.

Manu (birds) are tohu (signs, markers) on the awa. Their migrations and movements mirror the seasonal movements of the people of Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa around this rohe (region) over generations.

We’re not the only ones who think our awa is the most beautiful place in the world. The section of the Waikato river that we call home has starred in Hollywood films from The Hobbit to Yogi Bear.