Destination Location: Lake Benmore

Lake Benmore is New Zealand’s largest artificial lake, having been created in the 1960s by the construction of Benmore Dam. This is New Zealand’s largest earth dam and was part of the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric project. Construction of Benmore Dam was approved in 1957 and the lake was filled in December 1964.

The lake has an area of about 75 km² and a shoreline 116km long. The lake consists of two arms: the Haldon arm which is fed mainly by the Tekapo, Pukaki, Twizel rivers, and the Ohau Canal; and the Ahuriri Arm, fed mainly by the Ahuriri River.

The lake is popular for boating and swimming with many secluded beaches and bays to be found. There are also several popular walks in the area. Autumn is a great time to visit and see the leaves changing colour. The lake is a fishing spot with fish such as brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon.

Lake Benmore Camping Ground – Ōhau C

The Lake Benmore Camping Ground – Ōhau C provides a Kiwi camping experience on the shores of beautiful Lake Benmore. The perfect location for your relaxation, fishing and watersports. Located an easy 15-minute drive from the town of Twizel. There are many picturesque campsites available with toilets, water, dump station and rubbish facilities. There are three boat launch facilities and a jetty. Season pass: $900 per season Casual camping: From $30 per night per campsite (2 adults and 2 children under 15 years of age). Additional campers $15pp (conditions apply) Boat ramp only: $10 per day per...

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Black Forest Accommodation

Whether you are after rest or recreation, Black Forest Station Accommodation, Lake Benmore is a fantastic holiday destination for families/couples/groups/team building! Eight fabulous fully self-contained houses 100 metres from the edge of Lake Benmore sleeping 12-18 people. Self-catering and own linen required. Just 40 minutes to Lake Tekapo. Boating, water skiing, swimming, kayaks, fishing, walking and mountain biking are very popular activities. Whether you love the great outdoors or enjoy the tranquility of some of New Zealand’s finest landscape, Black Forest is the ideal holiday destination...

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Quail Rest

Quail Rest is located at Totara Peak Station which is a working High Country Merino Sheep Station situated on the shores of Lake Benmore, 22km from Twizel Township. This luxury accommodation is off the grid and supported by solar and gas, and a log wood burner. Quail Rest is a two-minute walk to the lake and there is a sheltered mooring if you have a boat. Views overlooking Lake Benmore and unobstructed views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. They can also arrange a fishing guide to get the catch of the day.

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