Photogenic Lowburn
Lowburn is a photogenic settlement on the eastern edge of Lake Dunstan, just 10 minutes north of Cromwell. It sits around an inlet that was created when Lake Dunstan was flooded behind the Clyde Dam in the 1990s. Since then, vineyards have appeared on the southern terrace, which is part of an ancient glacial moraine. Evening light and calm waters are the best time to take a stop at the reserve on the north side of the inlet, with the still waters reflecting the surrounding hills, terraces, and trees.
Lowburn has a small boat ramp, lakeside picnic areas, and is close to vineyards around Pisa Moorings. On the north side of Lowburn is the Sugarloaf Terrace, a wide glacial outwash bench, accessible via the 45th Parallel Track.
45th Parallel Track
The 45th Parallel Track is a 2 km loop that climbs steeply up the Sugarloaf Terrace before looping back via Hanging Gully to Lowburn. There is a car park next to Lake Dunstan with a 45th parallel latitude marker, opposite to the start of the track. At the top, the views stretch across Lake Dunstan to the Pisa Range. The loop is short but steep at the start; allow 45–60 minutes and bring water and sun protection.
History of Gold
Lowburn was once a site of gold dredging, and the land near the Lake Dunstan inlet shows traces of that past. The flooding of Lake Dunstan in the 1990s submerged some of the historic dredge channels. Today, the area has shifted to orchards and vineyards, reflecting Central Otago’s broader evolution from gold mining to agricultural production.
How to Get There
From Cromwell, drive north on SH6 for about 7 km. There is a reserve on the north side of the inlet, just over the bridge. The 45th Parallel Track car park is signposted just beyond Lowburn Inlet, near the 45th parallel monument.
Nearby places to visit include the many vineyards around Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. To the south on the highway is the entrance to the Kawarau Gorge, where you will find Goldfields Mining Centre. It is also a short drive to the Bannockburn Sluicings and the access to Nevis Road.
