# Pupu Hydro Power Scheme

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Historic power station in New Zealand

Dam in near Tākaka

Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Pupu water-race diverting Campbell Creek to a penstock Interactive map of Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Country New Zealand Location near Tākaka Coordinates 40°51′19″S 172°44′14″E / 40.85528°S 172.73722°E / -40.85528; 172.73722 Status Operational Opening date 11 October 1929[1] Owner Pupu Hydro Society Inc Power Station Operator Pupu Hydro Society Inc Type Run-of-the-river Turbines Boving twin-jet pelton wheel Installed capacity 250 kW (340 hp)[2] Annual generation 1.8 GWh (6.5 TJ)

The **Pupu Hydro Power Scheme** is a small [hydroelectric](/source/Hydroelectric) power station near [Tākaka](/source/T%C4%81kaka) in the [Golden Bay](/source/Golden_Bay_%2F_Mohua) region of the [South Island](/source/South_Island) of New Zealand. It opened in 1929 as the first power station in the region and was the first public electricity supply in Golden Bay.[1] After closing in 1980 following damage to the generator, the power scheme was fully restored by the local Pupu Hydro Society and many volunteer groups over the course of seven years and re-opened in 1988, again supplying electricity to the national grid.[2]

The scenic Pupu Hydro Walkway follows the historic gold mining water-race between the penstock and the [weir](/source/Weir) at Campbell Creek, before returning along the opposite side of the valley.[3] The track was opened in 2003[1] and also leads past the power house, where a window provides a view into the turbine room.

## Construction

The first water-race was constructed from 1901 to 1902 by the Takaka Sluicing Company over 8 months by a crew of 24 men working 8-hour shifts. It diverted water from Campbell Creek at a gentle gradient along the steep hillside, travelling over several timber [aqueducts](/source/Aqueduct_(bridge)) along its original 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi) course. The gold claim in the Waikoropupu Valley was worked from the 1850s until around 1910.[4]

Following a public meeting in 1924, an interim power board was formed to investigate the development of a local hydro scheme in response to the increasing promotion of electricity as a new energy source following the 1918 Electric Power Boards Act. The proposed Pupu Hydro Power Scheme was however deemed uneconomical by the central government, and local rate payers voted to take on a loan of £24,000 and proceed with the construction, which involved upgrading the disused Campbell Creek water-race, building a penstock and a powerhouse.[1]

On 11 October 1929, the Golden Bay Electric Power Board officially opened the power scheme, lighting up the first public electricity supply in Golden Bay and enabling households to have access to electric lighting, appliances and radio.[1]

This scheme, and the later [Onekaka Power Station](/source/Onekaka_Power_Station), allowed Golden Bay's power generation to be self-sufficient up until 1944, when the much larger [Cobb Power Station](/source/Cobb_Power_Station) began generating power into the national grid and the Golden Bay Electric Power Board started taking supply from the main grid.[5]

The Pupu Power Scheme survived as an emergency backup, and apart from lightning strike damage in 1956 continued to operate until 1980 when the alternator stator burned out in a 'flashover' [short circuit](/source/Short_circuit).[1] By then owned by the Tasman Electric Power Board, one of its linesmen had received instructions to start the generator. The plant had condensation and had previously always been dried out for a fortnight before power generation began. The linesman could not convince his superior that running the plant would be dangerous and upon turning it on, the generator started burning out.[6] After 51 years of operating reliably, the shut down power scheme was put up for tender in 1980.[1]

## Restoration

Pupu Hydro Powerhouse turbine room

Following seven years of negotiations from 1981 to 1987, an agreement was signed between the Tasman Electric Power Board and the Pupu Hydro Society to take on a loan and fully restore the Pupu Hydro Power Scheme as a working "museum".[1]

The water race and penstock were partly rebuilt, a motorised filter and new control gates were installed, and a spillway weir was constructed. The powerhouse was renovated and all equipment was either restored, refurbished or replaced. The 250 kVA 400 V alternator from 1929 was rewound and reinsulated by the [ASEA](/source/Allm%C3%A4nna_Svenska_Elektriska_Aktiebolaget) New Zealand branch, the original supplier of the generator. The stator pack was completely replaced, control gear and relays were refurbished, and the Boving twin-jet pelton wheel was recast with 24 new buckets.[7]

After completion of the restoration at an estimated total cost of $280,000, and with the strong support from many local groups and volunteers, the fully restored Pupu Hydro Power Scheme was reopened on 10 April 1988 once again as a fully operational hydroelectric power station.[7] According to one of the group's trustees, the Pupu Hydro Power Scheme is the country's largest community-owned power station.[8]

Later in 1991, the Pupu Hydro Society purchased the powerhouse and the surrounding 1 acre (0.4 ha) of land from the Tasman Electric Power Board, and in 2003 finished construction of the loop track.[1]

## Current operation

The 107 metres (351 ft) drop from the headpond down the penstock to the powerhouse yields a strong 152 pounds per square inch (1,050 kPa) of water pressure, which is regulated by a valve at the powerhouse. Twin jets of water power the Boving twin-speer pelton wheel with a maximum water flow of 350 litres per second. The alternator is rated at 250 kW and supplies 400 V, stepped up to 11 kV to feed into the main power grid.[2]

Average annual energy output is 1.8 GWh, well up from the original power scheme's 0.8 GWh/year output.[2]

The Pupu Hydro Scheme is listed as an historic site by [Heritage New Zealand](/source/Heritage_New_Zealand).[9]

The Pupu Hydro Society continues to provide maintenance of the power scheme, funded by the sale of generated power on the spot-price electricity market. Excess profits go back into various Golden Bay community projects.[1]

## Pupu Hydro Walkway

The Pupu Hydro Walkway is a 1.5 to 2 hour loop track starting at the end of the unsealed Pupu Valley Road, past the more well-known [Pupu Springs](/source/Te_Waikoropupu_Springs).[3] The walk passes through the mature [podocarp](/source/Podocarpus) and [beech](/source/Nothofagus) forest of [Kahurangi National Park](/source/Kahurangi_National_Park), first zig-zagging up to the penstock, and then following the gentle gradient of the historic gold mining water-race along the steep hill side for 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi) on a narrow boardwalk. The concrete water race and the boardwalk have been restored, including continuous railing on the sections along steep drop-offs.

After reaching the intake weir at Campbell Creek, the track returns via a gravel track on the opposite side of the valley. The Pupu Hydro Powerhouse is a 1-minute walk from the car park, with a viewing window and information panels about the power scheme, its history and restoration.[3]

## See also

- [New Zealand portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:New_Zealand)
- [Water portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Water)
- [Renewable energy portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Renewable_energy)

- [Electricity sector in New Zealand](/source/Electricity_sector_in_New_Zealand)

- [Hydroelectric power in New Zealand](/source/Hydroelectric_power_in_New_Zealand)

## References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Pupu Hydro Walkway](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pupu_Hydro_Walkway).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-Timeline_1-9) Timeline information panel at power house

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-PHPS_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-PHPS_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-PHPS_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-PHPS_2-3) Pupu Hydro Power Scheme information panel at start of track

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DOC_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DOC_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DOC_3-2) ["Pupu Hydro Walkway"](http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/kahurangi-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/pupu-hydro-walkway/). [Department of Conservation NZ](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 11 November 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Water-Race_4-0)** "The Water-Race – Engineering Masterpiece for its Time" information panel at start of track

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Blair, A K (1994). *The Cobb – The History of Cobb River Hydro-electric Power Scheme*. [Christchurch](/source/Christchurch): Cadsonbury Publications. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0477016995](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0477016995).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-big_bang_6-0)** Hayter, Rebecca (20 August 2021). ["It all started with a big bang"](https://issuu.com/charlotterichards3/docs/2021_august20gbweekly). *GB Weekly*. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 11 March 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-PHSI_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-PHSI_7-1) Pupu Hydro Society information panel at start of track

1. **[^](#cite_ref-power_crazy_8-0)** Hindmarsh, Gerard (21 August 2021). ["Society still power crazy after 40 years"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/126083327/society-still-power-crazy-after-40-years). *[Nelson Mail](/source/Nelson_Mail)*. Retrieved 11 March 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Pupu Hydro Scheme Historic Area"](https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7519). [Heritage New Zealand](/source/Heritage_New_Zealand). Retrieved 11 November 2015.

v t e Tasman District, New Zealand Seat: Richmond Populated places Golden Bay / Mohua Aorere Bainham Clifton Collingwood East Tākaka Ferntown Ligar Bay Motupipi Onekaka Pākawau Parapara Patons Rock Pōhara Port Pūponga Pūponga Rockville Seaford Tākaka Tarakohe Tata Beach Upper Tākaka Waikato Waitapu Motueka Brooklyn Kaiteriteri Lower Moutere Mārahau Motueka Riwaka Moutere-Waimea Brightwater Bronte Dovedale Mahana Māpua Ngātīmoti Ruby Bay Tasman Upper Moutere Wakefield Woodstock Richmond Aniseed Valley Appleby Hope Richmond Lakes-Murchison Murchison Rotoroa Saint Arnaud Tapawera Tophouse Geographic features Buller River Dun Mountain–Maitai terrane Hope Saddle Lee River Mārahau River Maungakura / Red Hill Newton River Ngārua Caves Roding River Sams Creek Tākaka River Waimea Plains Waimea River Golden Bay / Mohua Appos Creek Archway Islands Cape Farewell Cobb Reservoir Druggans Dam Dry River Farewell Spit Harwoods Hole Lake Killarney Lightband Gully North-west Nelson Forest Park Rawhiti Cave Slateford Tākaka Hill Tata Islands Te Waikoropupū Springs Wainui Bay Whanganui Inlet Wharariki Beach Abel Tasman National Park Armchair Island Awapoto River Awaroa River Ballon Rock Falls River Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Simonet Creek Torrent Bay Tata Islands Tinline Bay Tonga Island Torrent River Tōtaranui Wainui River Falls Tasman Bay Bell Island Best Island Moturoa / Rabbit Island Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock Waimea Inlet Kahurangi National Park Brown River Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Kahurangi Point Lake Matiri Mount Arthur Mount Burnett Mount Owen Nettlebed Cave Wharepapa / Arthur Range Nelson Lakes National Park Braeburn Range Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoroa Maniniaro / Angelus Peak Mount Franklin Pourangahau / Mount Robert Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance Sabine Valley Saint Arnaud Range Spenser Mountains Facilities and attractions Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track Inland Track Monument Appleby railway station Brightwater railway station Cobb Power Station Ferntown Bridge Gowanbridge railway station Heaphy Track Hope railway station Karamea Aerodrome Kawatiri railway station Langford Store Memorial Park Milnthorpe Model Motueka Aerodrome Moutere Inn Mussel Inn Nelson Lakes National Park Onekaka Ironworks Onekaka Power Station Onekaka Wharf and tramline Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Richmond railway station RNZAF Dip Flat Rutherford memorial Stafford Place St Michael's Church Stoke railway station Tākaka Aerodrome Tākaka Pioneers' Memorial Takaka Tramway Great Taste Trail Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tophouse Tour de Vineyards Wai-iti Dark Sky Park Wangapeka Track Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve Wharariki Ecosanctuary Administration Historic Nelson Province (1853–1876) Collingwood County (1877–1956) Waimea County (1877–1989) Richmond Borough (1891–1989 · mayor) Motueka Borough (1900–1989) Takaka County (1904–1956) Murchison County (1909–1965) Golden Bay County (1956–1989) Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council (1989–1992) Current Council Mayor Organisations Golden Bay Air Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union New Zealand Energy Richmond Athletic FC Talley's Group Schools Collingwood Area School Golden Bay High School Motueka High School Waimea College Waimea Intermediate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pupu Hydro Power Scheme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pupu_Hydro_Power_Scheme) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pupu_Hydro_Power_Scheme?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.