Tuai: Power Station History and Lakeside Scenery

Tuai lies on the shore of the artificial Lake Whakamarino. Tuai Power Station and the surrounding lakes tell the story of the hydroelectric project; walking tracks offer a different perspective on the landscape. For your planning, the location of the power station, the tracks at Lake Kaitawa and the seasonal water taxi service on the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk are distinct points of interest.

Tuai and the history of hydroelectric power

Tuai Power Station officially opened on 20 November 1929 with two generators, each rated at 16 megawatts. A third unit with a capacity of 20 megawatts was added in 1939, bringing total capacity to 52 megawatts. These figures show two stages in the development of the facility: its opening with two generators and its later expansion. The power station can be viewed from the northern end of Tuai Main Road. Check local road conditions before travelling.

The name Tuai also points to the history of the place: Tuai is named after an ancestor of Ngāti Ruapani, whose pā stood on the site of the power station. The present-day settlement developed around the facility. The place name, the development of the settlement and the power station site are all part of the same local history.

Artificial lakes and a track at Lake Kaitawa

Lake Whakamarino is an artificial lake created during work on the hydroelectric project. Lake Kaitawa is also artificial: it was formed in the 1920s as part of the system supplying water to Tuai Power Station. The two lakes therefore have different origins: one was created during work on the hydroelectric project, and the other to supply water to the power station.

At Lake Kaitawa, the Fairy Springs Track follows the lakeshore through a Rimu forest to a translucent green pool. The track also crosses the upper Waikaretaheke River via a footbridge. Check the latest DOC information about the track before setting out.

Lake Whakamarino is stocked annually with rainbow and brown trout. When flows are high, large brown trout may occasionally be found below the power station. This describes possible fish presence, not a guaranteed catch. Water levels can also change without warning, so take care at the lake.

Getting there via State Highway 38

About 90 kilometres of the State Highway 38 route between Murupara and Tuai is an unsealed road. Access can be difficult for vehicles with low ground clearance; a four-wheel-drive vehicle or SUV is recommended. As road surfaces and conditions can change, check the latest travel advice before driving. The approximate length of the unsealed section and the vehicle recommendation are useful points to consider when planning your trip to Tuai.

Walking destinations nearby

The nearby Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk can be accessed from Onepoto or Hopuruahine Landing. Water taxis can take visitors to either end of the track. Water taxis operate seasonally, and booking ahead is recommended. Plan your water taxi around your travel dates and confirm availability before your trip.

The nearby Te Wharehou o Waikaremoana Visitor Centre is about 11 kilometres from Tuai. It is a place to get information about the region and its walking tracks; you can also hire equipment there. Check visitor arrangements in advance. This way, you can focus your stay in Tuai on the power station history and lakes, while planning to get information about walking tracks and equipment nearby.

Discover more destinations: Morere, Kotemaori, Wairoa

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