Visit the Roxburgh Hydro Dam near Roxburgh

The Roxburgh Hydro Dam is a significant hydroelectric power station located on the Clutha River in Central Otago, New Zealand. It was completed in 1956 and remains one of the country’s largest hydroelectric power stations, capable of generating up to 320 MW of power.

The dam is an impressive sight to behold, with its towering concrete walls stretching 48 meters high and spanning 411 meters across the river. It was constructed to harness the power of the Clutha River, which is one of the largest rivers in New Zealand and has a strong and consistent flow throughout the year.

The Roxburgh Hydro Dam is a significant part of New Zealand’s power generation network and provides a reliable source of clean energy for the country. It plays an important role in helping to meet the country’s energy needs and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

The dam is also a popular attraction for visitors to Central Otago, with the impressive structure and surrounding landscape providing plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can take a guided tour of the power station, which provides a fascinating insight into how the dam operates and generates electricity.

In addition to its role in power generation and tourism, the Roxburgh Hydro Dam has also had a significant impact on the local environment. The construction of the dam resulted in the flooding of a large area of land, which had a profound impact on the local ecology and displaced many people from their homes.

Despite these impacts, the Roxburgh Hydro Dam remains an important part of New Zealand’s energy infrastructure and a fascinating landmark to visit for those interested in engineering, energy, and the natural environment.