The Brewery Hole, Duntroon
(Located at the rear of the Blacksmith Shop)
The Brewery Hole is a sunken limestone cavern created by an underground stream. It was known in Maori times and the water hole was seen as a source of pure, clean water. "Waikoakoa" translates as ' happy waters'.
History
There is a ‘story’ that the reflective surface of the water hole was used as a mirror by ‘wahine’ – young Maori women.
The Blacksmith drew water from the hole.
An extract from a 24/9/1877 article from the North Otago Times is shown on the right. It refers to a “great curiosity” in Duntroon and describes the Brewery Hole in some detail and refers to a “small brewery” which seemed to be disused.
It was decided to use the water for the Duntroon Water Scheme in the early 1970’s, and so the area was tidied. A retaining wall and pump house was built and later a boundary fence erected, with a lockable gate. (Around this time a limestone “overhang’ fell into the lower area and into the water hole.)
A photograph taken in 2014 prior to making it more accessible.
In recent years the town water supply was changed and water is now drawn from the river. Since then the area became very overgrown with trees, shrubs, vines etc.
Nicol’s Blacksmith Historic Trust owns the land with the Brewery Hole and Blacksmith Shop on it. When planning the restoration of the blacksmith building it was clear that tidying up the Brewery Hole and opening it to visitors would be another interesting visitor attraction.
Nicol’s Blacksmith Historic Trust owns the land with the Brewery Hole and Blacksmith Shop on it. When planning the restoration of the blacksmith building it was clear that tidying up the Brewery Hole and opening it to visitors would be another interesting visitor attraction.
Divers have been able to “squeeze” their way along some of the underwater channel and have made a short video of what they saw. It is hoped that one day we can show visitors this video as well as perhaps install a “live underwater camera” to enable people to see what is down there in real time.
Sculpture: Scrap metal Moa (by Matt King)
Visit Duntroon &Waitaki Valley www.duntroon.co.nz
Look at this Duntroon Website to see what is available in and around the nearby district. |
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Vanished World Geological Centre
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www.vanishedworld.co.nz
Vanished World Fossil and Geological Centre is located in Duntroon. This is a unique local attraction. |
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Wider Waitaki District Attractions
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waitakinz.com
Check out the Waitaki Valley (Highway 83) which includes Duntroon, Kurow, Otematata and Omarama. Highway follows highway 83 along the river and hydro lakes. |
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Waitaki Whitestone Geopark
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https://www.whitestonegeopark.nz/
The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark celebrates the intersection of geologic and cultural heritage in our corner of the world, and beyond. |
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