Cobb Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cobb Reservoir |
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Cobb Reservoir in autumn
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 Cobb Reservoir
Location in South Island
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| Location | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°07′16″S 172°39′28″E / 41.121014°S 172.657796°E |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Cobb River |
| Primary outflows | Cobb River |
| Built | 1949–1954 |
| Max. length | 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) |
| Max. width | 450 metres (1,476 ft) |
| Water volume | 25,600,000 m3 (900,000,000 cu ft) when full |
| Surface elevation | 819 metres (2,687 ft) |
The Cobb Reservoir is a large lake in the South Island of New Zealand. It is surrounded by the beautiful Kahurangi National Park. The reservoir gets its water from the Cobb River.
This important reservoir helps power homes and businesses. It feeds the Cobb Power Station, which makes electricity. The Cobb Reservoir is very high up, about 819 metres (2,687 ft) above sea level. It is the highest lake in New Zealand used for storing water for power.
Building the Cobb Dam
The dam that created Cobb Reservoir was built a long time ago. Construction started in 1949 and finished in 1954. This new dam replaced a smaller one that was built about ten years earlier.
The dam is made of earth, not concrete. It is 32 metres (105 ft) tall and 221 metres (725 ft) long. The ground in this area was not suitable for building a concrete dam. So, engineers chose to build it from earth instead.
Exploring the Cobb Valley
A narrow, winding road leads to the Cobb Reservoir. This road goes over Cobb Ridge and then follows the lake's edge. It was built in the 1940s.
The road is still unsealed in some parts, especially after the Cobb Power Station. It gives people access to many hiking trails. These trails let you explore the stunning nature around the valley.
