Lake Hāwea Dam is at the southwest end of Lake Hāwea. The dam was created to raise the lake's level to support various hydro schemes on the Clutha River, which flows out of Lake Wānaka and connects with the Hāwea River further to the south.
You drive over the dam as you turn from State Highway 6 into the township. You will see a small reserve on the left as you cross over. There is a reasonable amount of parking at the back of the reserve.
Find the steps over the fence for a better view of the lake. It’s a modest scramble down the interesting coloured rocks to the lake's edge. The local campground is on the west side of the lake, just off State Highway 6.
It is a perfect place for a picnic and a great spot for reflections on a still day.
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