Story: Gold and gold mining

Kawarau Falls Dam, 1925

Kawarau Falls Dam, 1925

A dam that also served as a bridge was built in 1925–26 where the Kawarau River drains Lake Wakatipu. The dam had gates which could be closed. The theory was that once the water supply was shut off the river bed downstream would be exposed for mining. It didn’t work, however – other rivers enter the Kawarau downstream, so the water level only fell slightly.

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Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: SO5-044

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Gold and gold mining - Methods of mining', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8624/kawarau-falls-dam-1925 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006