Lake Roxburgh
Lake Roxburgh
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 0
- Campsites
- 0
Lake Roxburgh is a reservoir on the Clutha River in Central Otago, New Zealand, formed by the Roxburgh Hydro Dam. The lake stretches approximately 30 kilometres, making it a substantial body of water for kayaking and other paddling activities. It sits within a landscape shaped by the surrounding Teviot Valley hills, with the schist rock character typical of Central Otago.
The primary access point for paddlers is the boat ramp located at the top of the dam wall at Lake Roxburgh Village, which lies five kilometres upstream from Roxburgh township. This village, originally constructed to house dam workers, now offers accommodation, coffee, and meals at a licensed lodge, providing useful amenities for paddlers planning day trips or overnight stays. McKenzies Beach, accessible by car via Knobby's Road on the east side of the river, serves as a popular picnic spot on the lake and represents another point of interest along the shoreline.
The lake connects with two notable trail systems — the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail — which converge at Lake Roxburgh Village. The Roxburgh Gorge Trail begins above the village and offers views over the Teviot Valley and the lake as it heads toward Shingle Creek. Paddlers interested in the broader landscape context will find the Commissioner's Walk, accessible across the dam from the village, provides historical context about the dam's construction, including a 20-metre schist bridge buttress, rock shelter remains, and interpretive panels.
Fishing is a popular activity on the lake alongside kayaking, with the water well stocked with both brown and rainbow trout. Salmon are also caught in the Clutha River below the dam. The dam itself is one of the few in New Zealand that can be driven over, with the lake visible on one side and the river below on the other — a notable landmark for paddlers approaching the southern end of the lake. The first power was generated at the Roxburgh Hydro Dam in 1956, making it among the earliest large hydro projects in the South Island.
Water access, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Roxburgh. Uncover great paddling access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. PaddleWays's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Paddle smarter with real-time insights
Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.





Otago licenses and regulations
No licenses or regulations available for Otago.
Find Places to Paddle
Over 400,000 Places to Paddle
Every user gets free access to launch points, boat ramps, and public property parcels.
Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to paddle Lake Roxburgh and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Paddling near Lake Roxburgh
Explore Otago waters
Top paddling waters
No waters available right now.
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Explore near Lake Roxburgh
Smarter Paddling Starts in the App.
Paddleways gives you everything you need to plan smarter, paddle better, and own every trip from first launch to takeout.















