{{Short description|Lake in Central Otago, New Zealand}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox body of water | name = Manorburn Dam | native_name = | image = | alt = | caption = | image_bathymetry = | alt_bathymetry = | caption_bathymetry = | location = [[Central Otago]], New Zealand | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 11 | mapframe-point = none | pushpin_map = New Zealand | pushpin_map_alt = Location in New Zealand | pushpin_map_caption = Location of Manorburn Dam in New Zealand | coordinates = {{Coord|45|14|26.95|S|169|26|44.75|E|type:waterbody_region:NZ|display =inline,title}} | type = | etymology = | part_of = | inflow = Manor Burn | rivers = | outflow = Manor Burn | oceans = | catchment = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | basin_countries = New Zealand | agency = | designation = | date-built = early 1900s | engineer = | date-flooded = | length = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | width = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | area = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | depth = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | max-depth = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | volume = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | residence_time = | salinity = | shore = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | elevation = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | temperature_high = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | temperature_low = <!-- {{convert|VALUE|UNITS}} must be used --> | frozen = }} '''Manorburn Dam''' is a lake in the [[Central Otago]] district of the [[South Island]] of New Zealand, {{Convert|3.5|km|mi}} east of [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]]. Its outflow, the Manor Burn, connects with the [[Manuherikia River]] just to the northeast of the town.
The dam is also known as the '''Lower Manorburn Dam''', as its inflow, also the Manor Burn, runs {{Convert|25|km|mi}} northwest to it from the {{Convert|700|ha|acre|adj=on}} irrigation storage reservoirs [[Manorburn Reservoir]], or the Upper Manorburn Dam, and Greenland Reservoir.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upper Manorburn Dam |url=https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/where-to-fish/regional-info/otago/upper-manorburn-dam |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=Fish & Game |language=en-NZ}}</ref> Surrounded by [[schist]] [[Tor (rock formation)|tors]], the lake is a popular spot for Alexandra's recreational activities. As determined by the [[Central Otago District Council]], the lake is part of the {{Convert|76|ha|acre|adj=on}} Manorburn Dam Recreation Reserve.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Manorburn Dam Recreation Reserve Management Plan |url=https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/manorburn-dam-recreation-reserve-management-plan |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=Let’s Talk Central Otago |language=en}}</ref>
== History == Manorburn Dam was initially constructed as an irrigation dam in the early 1900s.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Lower Manorburn Dam |url=https://centralapp.nz/Info/lower-manorburn-dam/5bb15803e72eb0002aa05ede |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=centralapp.nz |language=en}}</ref> In February 1958, it was declared that the lake would be for irrigation purposes only, but by June of the same year it was declared to have the second purpose of recreational activity.<ref name=":0" /> In 1979, it was officially grouped as a recreation reserve, subject to the Reserves Act 1977. Until the Ice Inline Sports Complex was built in Alexandra's Molyneux Park in 1993, it was the most popular ice skating location in the area, but still sees use today.
== Activities == As one of the most often frozen lakes in New Zealand,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lower Manorburn Dam |url=https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/explore-and-discover/things-to-do-in-central-otago/historic-sites/lower-manorburn-dam/#:~:text=The%20Lower%20Manorburn%20dam%20is,road%20about%20a%20further%201km |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=Otago Central Rail Trail |language=en}}</ref> Manorburn Dam is popular for ice skating in the winter. Boating is prohibited in the Manorburn, but fishing, swimming, walking, and kayaking are common activities in the area.<ref name=":1" /> A {{Convert|4.6|mi|km|adj=on}} walking track passes by the lake.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Apr 2025 |title=Lower Manorburn Dam via Tucker Hill Road |url=https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/otago/lower-manorburn-dam-via-tucker-hill-road |access-date=26 Apr 2025 |website=All Trails}}</ref> The lake is also a [[curling]] venue, and [[bonspiel]]s are regular events in colder winters. The local curling club boasts that it is the largest outdoor curling venue in the Southern Hemisphere.<ref>"[https://iceinline.co.nz/clubs/manorburn-curling-club/ Manorburn Curling Club]", ''iceinline.co.nz''. Retrieved 26 April 2025.</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Central Otago District}} {{Clutha}}
[[Category:Lakes of Otago]] [[Category:Dams in New Zealand]] [[Category:Curling in New Zealand]]