Sullivans Dam (often incorrectly but grammatically referred to as Sullivan's Dam) is a reservoir in a forested area 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the north of the centre of Dunedin, New Zealand.

Sullivans Dam
Location of Sullivans Dam
Location of Sullivans Dam
Sullivans Dam
LocationDunedin, Otago Region, South Island
Coordinates45°48′25″S 170°31′25″E / 45.80694°S 170.52361°E / -45.80694; 170.52361
TypeArtificial lake
Primary outflowsWater of Leith
Basin countriesNew Zealand
Max. length400 metres (1,300 ft)
Max. width180 metres (590 ft)
Surface area6.6 hectares (16 acres)
Surface elevation290 metres (950 ft)

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.

References edit

  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. ISBN 978 0 473 13772 4
  3. ^ McAvinue, S., "Trout released for children to catch", Otago Daily Times, 6 September 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2019.