Lake Roxburgh and Roxburgh Dam
Otago, New Zealand
Roxburgh Dam lies across the Clutha River, near the small town of Roxburgh in Central Otago, New Zealand. The dam forms Lake Roxburgh, a popular attraction for water sports.
The Roxburgh Dam was the earliest of the large hydroelectric projects in the southern South Island.
The site for the Roxburgh Dam was selected in 1949 and the first generator was commissioned in 1956. The dam contains over 1.5 million tonnes of concrete with eight turbine generator units.
Lake Roxburgh, formed by the dam, covers an area of nearly six square kilometres. Lake Roxburgh is popular for fishing, kayaking, jet boating and water skiing—in fact almost any water sport.
Salmon and brown trout can be caught in the lake year round.
Lake Roxburgh has a rich goldmining history. Many gold miners stopped there on their way up the Dunstan, and finding their surroundings suitable, set up camp. Most miners lived in rock shelters. The remains of these shelters can be viewed by walking the Lake Roxburgh Gorge Track starting in Alexandra. Another feature of this walk are the tailings at Doctors Point from the original workings of the 1880s.
» Central Otago Regional Information
