The Man-Made Fascination of Clyde Dam and Lake Dunstan
Clyde Dam is a large hydroelectric dam built on the Clutha River, near the town of Clyde in Central Otago New Zealand.
Clyde Dam is the largest concrete gravity dam in New Zealand consisting of one million cubic metres of concrete. It's height is 100 metres, width at base is 70 metres, width at crest 10 metres and length at crest 490 metres.
Controversy surrounded the building of the Clyde Dam, which saw a number of orchards and houses removed from the Cromwell Gorge to allow the flooding of the river valley.
Active people and adrenaline junkies will love a jet ski adventure on the Clutha River. Drop your ski in the water at the Alexandra boat ramp and cruise down the river visiting historic gold mining sites and cruise up the river to visit the Clyde Dam.
Lake Dunstan
The lake formed by the dam, Lake Dunstan, is 26.4 square kilometres in size.
Lake Dunstan's recreational uses include water-skiing, boating, canoeing, jet boating, boat cruises and eco-tours of the abundant fish and bird life.
Lake Dunstan extends from the historical township of Clyde through the Cromwell Gorge to Cromwell township, with one arm travelling up the Kawarau River to Bannockburn and the other widening out over the Lowburn Flats.
» Central Otago Regional Information
