Sullivans Dam Explained

Sullivans Dam
Pushpin Map:New Zealand Otago peninsula
Pushpin Map Alt:Location of Sullivans Dam
Location:Dunedin, Otago Region, South Island
Type:Artificial lake
Outflow:Water of Leith
Basin Countries:New Zealand
Length:400m (1,300feet)
Width:180m (590feet)
Area:6.6ha
Elevation:290m (950feet)

Sullivans Dam (often incorrectly but grammatically referred to as Sullivan's Dam) is a reservoir in a forested area 10km (10miles) to the north of the centre of Dunedin, New Zealand.

The dam is located to the east of Mount Cargill, close to the Dunedin Northern Motorway in the upper Leith Valley, some 500 metres southeast of the Leith Saddle. It was proposed in 1909 by City Councillor Archibald J. Sullivan (1869–1932), after whom it is named, in order to expand Dunedin's water supply. Work began in May 1913 and the reservoir was officially opened on 15 July 1916.

The surrounding catchment area is today a popular site for walkers, with numerous bush walks around the reservoir.[1] [2] The reservoir was also stocked with trout shortly after its completion, and stocks of the fish are periodically replenished.[3] As such, the reservoir provides popular sport for anglers.

Notes and References

  1. "Dunedin Skyline Walk", Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  2. Hamel, A. (2007) Dunedin tracks and trails. Dunedin: Silver Peaks Press. pp. 5.12–13.
  3. McAvinue, S., "Trout released for children to catch", Otago Daily Times, 6 September 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2019.