Kawarau Gorge between Cromwell and Queenstown in Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand

CENTRAL OTAGO · SOUTH ISLAND · NEW ZEALAND

The Kawarau
Gorge Highway

Rugged. Spectacular. Beautiful.

Kawarau Gorge

The Mighty Kawarau

Kawarau Gorge The Kawarau drains Lake Wakatipu at Frankton and flows to Cromwell where it joins Lake Dunstan. Characterised by rapids, especially in its middle reaches, it is a swiftly flowing river dropping 145 metres in its 56km course. The most notable tributaries are the Shotover, Arrow and Nevis Rivers.
Rafting Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the Kawarau is the magnificent gorge, often described as rugged and awesome.
And most of the beauty of the gorge is not visible as you drive along the highway. Find a safe place to park your vehicle if you intend to have a closer look, and please be careful!
The steep slopes of the gorge, over 1200m high, are contrasted by the flat valley area of Gibbston, the small plain near Victoria Bridge, and the expansive Cromwell Flats.
Panning for gold Notable for its absence of pre-European occupation, the Kawarau Valley has been the site of gold mining activity since 1862.
Historical features include abandoned stone dwellings and rock shelters, dams, water races and old workings.

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