Sullivans Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sullivans Dam
Sullivans Dam Location in Otago peninsula
Location	Dunedin, Otago Region, South Island
Coordinates	45°48′25″S 170°31′25″E / 45.80694°S 170.52361°E / -45.80694; 170.52361
Type	Artificial lake
Primary outflows	Water of Leith
Basin countries	New Zealand
Max. length	400 metres (1,300 ft)
Max. width	180 metres (590 ft)
Surface area	6.6 hectares (16 acres)
Surface elevation	290 metres (950 ft)

Sullivans Dam (often incorrectly but grammatically referred to as Sullivan's Dam) is a reservoir in a forested area 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the north of the centre of Dunedin, New Zealand.

The dam is located to the east of Mount Cargill, close to the Dunedin Northern Motorway in the upper Leith Valley, some 500 metres southeast of the Leith Saddle. It was proposed in 1909 by City Councillor Archibald J. Sullivan (1869–1932), after whom it is named, in order to expand Dunedin's water supply. Work began in May 1913 and the reservoir was officially opened on 15 July 1916.

The surrounding catchment area is today a popular site for walkers, with numerous bush walks around the reservoir. The reservoir was also stocked with trout shortly after its completion, and stocks of the fish are periodically replenished. As such, the reservoir provides popular sport for anglers.