Karapiro is the last in the chain of hydro power stations on the Waikato River. Commissioned in 1947 it has a capacity of 96MW. Karapiro is 188km downstream of Lake Taupo. You can follow down the hydro chain on the Waikato Hydro Day Out.
The lake is a world-class rowing venue. An annual event is the Secondary Schools Rowing Championship. There are picnic areas and swimming spots. Mighty River Domain on the banks of the lake is an important event venue.
When Lake Karapiro was formed it submerged the first power station on the Waikato River, Horahora, which was built in 1913 by the Waihi gold-mining company. The Horohora turbines famously continued to turn as the powerhouse filled with water. It is now a dive location.
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