Lake Benmore Lake
Hydroelectric reservoir formed by Benmore Dam in Otago
Formed behind Benmore Dam on the Waitaki River, Lake Benmore is New Zealand's large hydro reservoir; anglers pursue salmon and trout, and boaters use the long water body for powerboating, sailing and shoreline picnics.
Lake Benmore at a Glance#
Website: https://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/operations/benmore
Hours: Open access (no formal hours)
Admission: No main admission fee for reservoir; recreational activities (fishing, boating) may require permits
About Lake Benmore#
Lake Benmore is a large artificial reservoir on New Zealand’s South Island, created by impoundment of the Waitaki River. It was built as part of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme and functions as significant storage for power generation.
The lake offers extensive shoreline and open water, used for boating and trout fishing; facilities and access are concentrated at a small number of public boat ramps and recreation areas. The shoreline is a mix of steep faces and benches created when valleys were flooded.
The reservoir was formed when the dam structure impounded the Waitaki and filled the former river valleys, altering the preexisting river landscape as part of mid-20th-century hydro development. Management of water levels supports downstream electricity generation.
Lake Benmore lies in the central South Island within the Otago region, on the Waitaki River system; the reservoir sits upstream of other Waitaki hydro facilities and is surrounded by braided-river country and tussock land.
- Hydroelectric role: Forms part of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme and is one of the largest storage reservoirs on New Zealand’s South Island.
- Recreation: Popular for angling and water recreation along its extensive shoreline when weather permits.
What to See#
- Benmore Dam: The dam that impounds the Waitaki River and creates the reservoir, forming part of the larger Waitaki hydroelectric scheme on New Zealand’s South Island.
How to Get to Lake Benmore#
Reaching Benmore is primarily by car from Twizel or Omarama via State Highway 8 and local roads; the dam and shorelines are accessible from a number of turn-offs with parking.
Tips for Visiting Lake Benmore#
- If fishing, verify local licensing and seasonal restrictions before heading out
- Watch for strong winds on the open reservoir; small craft should be cautious
- Combine a visit with a drive through the Waitaki Valley for varied scenery
Best Time to Visit Lake Benmore#
Summer offers the most comfortable conditions for water recreation; check wind forecasts before boating.
Weather & Climate near Lake Benmore#
Lake Benmore's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (679 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 22° | 16° | 70 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 10° - 22° | 16° | 49 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 20° | 14° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 81 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 12° | 5° | 81 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 9° | 2° | 37 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 8° | 1° | 49 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 0° - 11° | 3° | 39 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 13° | 6° | 57 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 7° - 19° | 13° | 44 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 39 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |