Tongariro Power Scheme
Note: the hydrology data on this website is provided for general information purposes only. The data shows rainfall and river flow information, it is not a forecasting tool. River users should check rainfall and river flow data, alongside weather forecasts to make a decision about whether it is safe to enter waterways.
Monitoring sites
The Tongariro Power Scheme is located in the Central North Island and utilises water from 36 rivers and streams. The area is renowned for its dual status as the Tongariro National Park and World Heritage Site.
River conditions can change very quickly, so the data is updated on this website every 15 minutes. Please monitor the conditions regularly before embarking on any water-based activities. Flow data is also available from the Genesis flow phone 07 386 8113 or free phone number 0800 435 697 – (0800 4 flows).
If you have any questions or comments you can contact our Hydrology staff.
Hydrology information for the Tongariro Power Scheme:
- Karikaringa
- Lake Otamangakau at Dam
- Lake Rotoaira at Lake Gauge
- Moawhango River at Moawhango
- Moawhango River at Waiouru
- Ruatahuna
- Tongariro River at Poutu Intake
- Tongariro River at Rangipo
- Tongariro River at Turangi
- Tongariro River at Waipakihi
- Tukino
- Turangi
- Waipakihi
- Whanganui River below Piriaka
- Whanganui at Te Maire
- Whakapapa River at Footbridge
Rainfall
Rainfall information helps Genesis Energy predict river inflows.
The rainfall sites listed below cover a large geographical area from the flanks of Mt Ruapehu to the Kaimanawa Ranges.
Click on the site name to view recent rainfall trends.
This hydrology information has been compiled by Genesis Energy for general information purposes only. The data shows rainfall and river flow information, it is not a forecasting tool. River users should check rainfall and river flow data, alongside weather forecasts to make a decision about whether it is safe to enter waterways. Genesis Energy does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information nor does it accept any liability or responsibility for any error, inaccuracy or omission in the information or for the use of such information by any person for any purpose.
If you have questions or comments you can contact Genesis Energy's Hydrology Staff.
Riverflow
Water is utilised from rivers in the Tongariro, Whangaehu, Rangitikei and Whanganui catchments.
River flows can vary quickly and it is a good idea to check the weather forecast and assess flow conditions on the river before heading out. In some river systems, rainfall in headwater catchments will result in rapid increases in river levels downstream where there may be little rainfall.
Click on the site name to see recent flow trends.
Lake levels
Recreational releases
Assess the conditions for yourself before entering the River. A high level of skill is required for these releases. Stop the spread of freshwater pests!
All equipment that has come from any other fresh waterway (regardless of island) must be decontaminated using approved methods before entering the river.
Please do not rely on the ‘dry' method alone as the inside of kayaks take a very long time to dry out!
Cleaning solution is available at the entry and exit points during recreational releases.
Flows of 26 cubic metres per second for up to 9 hours are released from Moawhango Dam as required by Genesis Energy's resource consents for the Tongariro Power Scheme. The purpose of the flows is to improve the ecology of the river. As the Moawhango River flows into the Rangitikei River, the flushing flows result in an increased flow in both rivers. Consequently high flows will be experienced on both these rivers on the following dates:
- Wednesday 15 December 2021 (9 hours)
- Wednesday 26 January 2022 (5 hours)
- Wednesday 16 February 2022 (5 hours)
- Wednesday 16 March 2022 (5 hours)
- Wednesday 4 May 2022 (5 hours)
Flows of 30 cubic metres per second for 8 hours will be released from Rangipo Dam between 8am and 4pm on the following dates:For the Rangipo Dam release, Grade 4+ rapids require a very high level of competence. You MUST be aware of the location of the exit points before Tree Trunk Gorge and Waikato falls to safely utilize this release.
- Sunday 27 February 2022
- Sunday 1 May 2022
- Sunday 25 September 2022
Flows of 30 cubic metres per second for 6 hours will be released from Poutu Intake into the Tongariro River between 9am and 3pm on the following dates:
- Saturday 26 February 2022
- Saturday 30 April 2022
- Saturday 24 September 2022
The natural flow of the Whakapapa River will be released downstream of the Whakapapa Intake for 8 hours between 9am and 5pm on the following dates:
- Saturday 13 August 2022
- Saturday 20 August 2022 (back-up)
- Saturday 3 September 2022
- Saturday 10 September 2022 (back-up)
Note:
1. Recreational releases from Whakapapa Intake require a minimum flow of 16 cumecs in the Whakapapa River. If there is still insufficient flow, then the event is cancelled.
2. Please check the WWNZ website for details on the release. Updates on the likelihood of the release are posted 24 hours prior to the event and the final decision is made on the morning of the release.
