Aviemore Dam to Kurow
26th July 2026
Soon after 9am, six of us began our walk from Aviemore Dam on the Alps to Ocean track in a cool wind and sunny skies. The ruins of the Wharekuri Hotel and Stables, built 1865, are 2 km from Aviemore. This was built near where the Waitaki River Ferry operated. A robbery in its first year, by bushrangers, Everest and Davis hid the stash at Parsons Rock nearby. We had morning tea under the bridge of the Awahokomo Creek. Further along the track is the Waitaki Dam, the first dam built on the Waitaki River, which originally was going to be built at Roseneath/Wharekuri where the Aviemore Dam is. It was decided against that due to the coal seam on the south side which could be a potential leak point. So, it was decided the site below the confluence of the Awakino River to be better. The construction of the Waitaki Dam began in 1928 and was completed 6 years later. No mechanical earthmoving equipment was used. An early lunch was had before the track winds uphill away from the road and along towards Kurow which was reached about 1.30pm.
Thanks for transporting us to Aviemore Julian and appreciate your company John, Neville, Lorena, Lynette and Julian. Photos by John, Bess.
