Nevis River

The Nevis River is truly unique in New Zealand. Nowhere else in New Zealand does a river of this size, fall so steeply, through this type of countryside.

The Nevis drains the Hector and Garvie mountain ranges, flowing north towards the Kawarau River. The valley is at first a wide open expanse and was the scene of prolific goldmining during the late 1800's. Many historic relics remain in the upper valley as a testament to the industry that was there. This upper section of the valley is popular for fishing, and is the only known habitat in Otago of the Gollum galaxias, a native fish whose population is in decline.

Below Nevis Crossing, where the road from Bannockburn to Garston crosses the river, the river drops very steeply through tight gorges. This river is one of New Zealand's best kayaking rivers, and offers superb quality kayaking for expert kayakers.

The Nevis River was included in the 1997 Kawarau Water Conservation Order, but this Order failed to include a prohibition on damming in the Nevis valley, in direct contrast to every other river covered under the Order.

In 2008 Fish and Game applied to amend the Kawarau Water Conservation Order to include a prohibition on damming in the Nevis valley. A decision on this application is expected in early 2010.

The Threat to the Nevis River

The Nevis River has been being eyeballed by Pioneer Generation for years. They bought the pastoral leases for both the Craigroy and Ben Nevis Stations which border the river.

It was clear that Pioneer bought the leases with a view towards undergoing tenure review, owning the land freehold and then being able to more easily build a dam.

Despite Pioneer Generation's assurances to the contrary, there are clear plans for two dams below Nevis Crossing which would dewater the lower gorge and inundate a large portion of the upper valley.

The tenure review process for both Craigroy and Ben Nevis Stations is well underway.

Organisations Supporting the Nevis River