Aviemore Dam

The Aviemore Hydro-Dam was constructed during the 1960s and became fully operational in 1968. The Aviemore’s generators are the largest in New Zealand, generating enough electricity each year for about 120,000 New Zealand homes.

The pipes that carry water into the power station, called “penstocks,” are the largest in New Zealand, a huge 7 metres in diameter, while the rotors are nearly 8 metres in diameter and weigh 210 tonnes. The dam itself is made in two parts: an earth dam and a concrete dam. It is the biggest earth dam in New Zealand, and is the second largest concrete dam.

You can walk, cycle or drive across the dam and there are parking and viewing areas at either end, to get some majestic views of the Waitaki River valley.