Fraser Dam
Fraser Dam lies in the remote hills west of Alexandra and Earnscleugh, about a 30-minute drive from Alexandra. It’s a peaceful high-country destination known for fishing, remote scenery, and nearby gold mining remnants. The drive itself is an interesting journey through rugged terrain.
The dam forms a narrow reservoir tucked between dry hills, with open views across the Alexandra basin. The landscape is typical of Central Otago’s semi-arid interior: golden tussock, rocky outcrops, and wide skies.
History and Walks
Fraser Dam was built in 1937 as part of an irrigation and hydro project, and was later expanded in the 1950s. The area around the dam was active for both European and Chinese gold mining.
Near the southern end of the dam, the Shek Harn Historic Reserve Track follows a former water race along the true right of the Fraser River. The name Shek Harn is Cantonese for "big stone ditch," a nod to the Chinese miners who worked here. The track passes rock shelters, tailings, and hut remains, clear evidence of gold workings in the 1800s. Allow 1–2 hours return.
There are no facilities at the dam. Fishing is possible (with a licence), and the track is a good way to combine history with walking.
How to Get There
From Alexandra, take Earnscleugh Road, then Blackman Road and Fraser Dam Road (gravel for 9 km). From there, a dry-weather vehicle track is another 2 km to the car park. The road can be rough; 4WD is recommended in winter or after rain.
Other nearby relatively remote places to explore include Earnscleugh Tailings, Conroys Dam, Butchers Gully and Hawksburn Road to Bannockburn. The historic town of Clyde is also close by.
