OUR HISTORYKarāpiro is a hydroelectric lake on the Waikato River. It is a 10 minute drive from Cambridge. The river has flowed through the Waikato region for more than 20,000 years. It has been a source of physical and spiritual sustenance from the time of the earliest tūpuna (Māori ancestors) until today. Above Karāpiro stands Maungatautari, a culturally and ecologically important mountain.
Prevent the spread of the Invasive Clam
The invasive freshwater clam, found in the Waikato River in May 2023, can harm everything we love about the water. It can disrupt our recreation, clog water pipes, and threaten other freshwater species. The clam can only spread if humans move it between lakes and rivers with boats and gear. Check Clean and Dry if you move between lakes and rivers.
PREMIUM WAIKATO EVENT & ACCOMMODATION VENUE
LAKE KARĀPIRO, CAMBRIDGE
On the banks of Lake Karāpiro is Mighty River Domain, an iconic Waipa District Council site and one of New Zealand's premier event venues. Every year it showcases a variety of sporting and cultural events and has been the stage for a number of memorable international sporting occasions.
It was our biggest sprint nationals to date and we are really happy with the overall result.
It was a long week, but it all seemed quite manageable. That is partly possible because of your "nothing is too difficult" attitude. It is awesome to work with such positive people who go the extra mile to find solutions and not focus so much on the problems.
Lara Collins- Chief Executive, Waka Ama NZ
What we offer
OUR TEAMMighty River Domain is managed by Waipa District Council. Site Manager Liz Stolwyk has managed the Domain for the past 16 years and has over 27 years' experience in the tourism industry both in New Zealand and overseas. Liz is supported by an administration and site services team. The team at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro will work with you to ensure your event or function is hassle free. Our team will work with you to organise your event so that it runs smoothly.
GETTING HEREPlease note that the Karapiro Dam closed from for the foreseeable future as the Dam undergoes significant maintenance. Please plan alternative routes to visit us during this time. If you are visiting from the north, come through Cambridge and Leamington, jump onto Maungatautari Road, and you'll find us (about 5km from the town belt). If you're coming from the south, turn onto Maungatautari Road off of SH1 (turn off to Horahora Domain) and follow the road to find us (about 15km from the turn off).
Contact us:
P: 07 827 4178
Mighty River Domain,
Lake Karāpiro, 601 Maungatautari Road, RD2, Cambridge
