Ross Creek Reservoir, lake in New Zealand
Ross Creek Reservoir is a man-made lake in Dunedin Valley, set within wooded terrain with marked walking paths circling the water. The dam structure rises noticeably above the landscape while the water surface remains still, flowing through the valley with infrastructure elements from the 19th century visible throughout.
The reservoir was built in the 1860s to supply water to rapidly growing Dunedin during a gold rush period. Its opening in 1867 marked a turning point in city development and made it one of New Zealand's oldest reservoirs still in use today.
The reservoir takes its name from Ross Creek, the stream that feeds it and shaped local settlement patterns. Visitors notice how the original landscape has merged with human infrastructure, with walking paths and small waterways enabling daily use by locals.
Visitors should allow time and wear comfortable shoes since walking paths around the reservoir span several kilometers. The terrain is easy to navigate and accessible from various entry points along nearby roads, though no modern facilities are located near the site.
An artificial waterfall formed when Ross Creek was diverted during dam construction, creating a cascade over School Creek that now flows naturally. This 20-meter drop looks entirely natural despite being deliberately created, adding an unexpected feature to the valley landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
