Cromwell Gorge
The Cromwell Gorge is a steep gorge cut by the former Clutha River (Māori: Mata-Au) in the Central Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. It winds 19 km (12 mi) between the Dunstan and Cairnmuir Mountains, linking the townships of Cromwell and Clyde. It is one of three substantial river gorges in Central Otago, the others being the Kawarau Gorge to the west of Cromwell, and the Roxburgh Gorge south of Alexandra.
| Cromwell Gorge | |
|---|---|
| (Formerly: Dunstan Gorge) | |
Miners Rockfall overlooks Lake Dunstan at the northern entrance of the Cromwell Gorge | |
Cromwell Gorge | |
| Floor elevation | 194 m (636 ft) |
| Length | 18.5 km (11.5 mi) Cromwell to Clyde Dam |
| Width | 9 km (5.6 mi) Cairnmuir Hill to Leaning Rock |
| Area | 84 km2 (32 sq mi) |
| Depth | 1,453 m (4,767 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| State/Province | South Island |
| District | Central Otago |
| Coordinates | 45.104°S 169.292°E |
| Topo map | NZMS260 G42 Edition 1 1990 |
| River | Clutha River / Mata-Au |
| Depth taken from Leaning Rock (1647 m) to Lake Dunstan (194 m) | |
Long-associated with gold mining, orchards and the production of stone fruit, the gorge (including part of old Cromwell) was flooded in the early 1990s to form Lake Dunstan behind the hydroelectric Clyde Dam. The former Otago Central Railway which traced the river through the gorge from Clyde was removed, while State Highway 8 was realigned above the newly-formed lake.
The Dunstan Trail, a major new cycle route, was opened on the lake's right bank in 2021.