Kawarau Gorge

Kawarau Gorge is a deep canyon cut by the Kawarau River through rocky terrain, featuring steep cliff walls that rise approximately 230 meters high. The gorge stretches roughly 25 kilometers in length, creating a dramatic passage through the landscape.

The gorge formed through long-term erosion by the Kawarau River, creating the dramatic landscape visible today. Miners arrived during the Otago gold rush of the 1860s and built settlements along the riverbanks, leaving behind stone cottages and mining equipment.

The site holds significance in Māori heritage through the natural rock bridge known as Whatatorere, which served as a traditional crossing point where the river channel narrows considerably. This landmark remains a place where visitors can see how the landscape shaped local routes and movement through the region.

State Highway 6 runs through the gorge, providing access from various points for water-based activities such as kayaking and riverboarding. Multiple stopping areas along the route allow visitors to view the landscape or access the river.

A rare fungus weevil called Cerius otagensis lives at only two known locations worldwide, one of which is this gorge. Scientists continue to study these insects to learn how they survive in such specific environments.

Location: Otago Region

Elevation above the sea: 232 m

GPS coordinates: -45.02000,169.09000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49