Lake Aviemore

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Lake Aviemore or Mahi Tikumu is part of the Waitaki hydroelectric project in New Zealand's South Island.

It lies between lakes Benmore and Waitaki on the Waitaki River. It is part of the traditional boundary of the Canterbury and Otago regions. Built in 1958 as a he base for the construction of the Aviemore and Benmore Dams, the Otematata settlement that is situated on State Highway 83 is just west of the lake. Closer to the lake the old village Wharekuri which encompasses Aviemore was populous in the 1860s. Coming down from Lake Benmore, the water is blocked by the Benmore Dam (completion in 1965) before descending into Lake Aviemore and further downstream, the Aviemore Dam (completion in 1968) is situated prior to Lake Waitaki. The Aviemore Dam, the newer of the three dams on the Waitaki river, is made out of both earth and concrete. By continuing the sinuous course of the river after the lake, one encounters Parsons Rock, named after Reverend J.C. Andrew (The Parson) who usually gave Christmas day sermon there. A story goes to say that stolen gold taken from the Wharekuri Hotel was hidden near Parsons Rock.The suspects were apprehended but no money was ever found by the authorities in the hiding place. In both Lake Aviemore and Benmore, one can fish salmon and trout year round except in September.^[1] Two main events are held on Lake Aviemore, there is the Labour weekend Aviemore Classic Trailer yacht race and the Windsurfing Championships in January.^[2]