| The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand, | | | | The river changes depth throughout and in one or two |
| beginning at Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls. Now | | | | places your canoe may even touch the bottom. The |
| heavily controlled in its upper reaches with numerous | | | | water is fairly clean but I wouldn't drink it as Hamilton |
| dams sinking many a great rapid. | | | | and other towns release their treated sewage into it. |
| The last dam ends just before Cambridge and you | | | | Starting at Hamilton to Ngaruawahia is an easy trip. |
| can start your journey there, if you want to add an | | | | Passing Ngarauwahia you pass the residence of the |
| extra day to your journey. It is a one day trip from | | | | Maori King. Just passed where the Waipa River joins |
| Cambridge to Hamilton. I recommend starting your trip | | | | are some Islands on which to camp. |
| in Hamilton and making a two day trip of it. There are | | | | The next day another easy trip to Huntly. You pass an |
| numerous uninhabited Islands in the center of the River | | | | old army camp and you can stop in Huntly for a serve |
| and they are big enough to fix a couple of tents. The | | | | of fish and chips and resume your journey. Just |
| River moves quicker than walking pace and it is very | | | | passed Huntly is a descent size Island where you can |
| difficult to paddle upstream so don't go canoeing | | | | camp for the night. |
| passed your camp once set up for the night. | | | | The next day after some decent paddling you can |
| As the river's flow is highly regulated there is little | | | | arrange to be picked up a Meri Meri where the River |
| worry of flooding except in the most exceptional rain. | | | | again meets the main state highway. |