Click here for updates & Operating hours of the
TUAPEKA MOUTH FERRY
Currently the ferry normally operates daily: 10.00am -2.00pm, subject to river conditions.
The ferry does not operate on Good Friday, and Christmas day. It will be closed in the morning on ANZAC Day.
There is no charge.
Sometimes due to variable river conditions, the punt may not be operating. Please contact Council on 0800 801 350 during office hours.
DAILY UPDATES ALSO AVAILABLE FROM www.facebook.com/TuapekaMouthFerry/
SAMPLES:
PLEASE NOTE:
1. The operation is hugely reliant on water level and weather. The volume of water in the river is basically what is released from Roxburgh Dam, which we get approximately 8hrs later. We can operate in the range of 400-850 cumecs (give or take, depending on the wind strength and direction - remember this is a buoyant vessel). WE RECOMMEND phoning the Punt shed and talking to the operator (during hours of operation only). 03-415 9068 He/she will advise if operating or not.
2. Operating hours are now 10am till 2pm, 7 days a week.
If you have a large group wishing to visit please give us plenty of advance warning. Also, should you have a large group, and you wish to visit outside normal hours, you should contact James Allison at the Clutha District Council in the first instance (james.allison@cluthadc.govt.nz).
Check out regular updates and photos
See the Heritage Hub facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HeritageHub/
The Punt
Some 25 punts used to operate on the Clutha River.
Now there is only the Tuapeka Ferry left in service.
Photo of paddlesteamer "Matau" 1882-1901 passing the Tuapeka Mouth ferry.
Here is a list of the Puntmen who have worked tirelessly since 1896 to keep this service operating:
Tuapeka Mouth Ferry Punt Operators (as at 24 Jan 2021)
1896-1900. W.G. Buchan
1900-24. W. (Bill) Nehoff
1925-45. W. (Bill) Latimer
1945-46. W.S. Whitty
1947-50. D.A. Houliston
1950-58. W. (Jock) W H J Small
1958-75. W. (Bill) Gray
1975-77. E.R. Tallentire
1977-(short period) R. McGowan
1977-(short period) R. Sell
1977-84. R. Dodds
1984-94. L.E. Thompson
1994-2015. P.J Dickson
2012-2015. N E Sowry (Weekends)
2015-2017. N E Sowry
2015-2016. P. Lomax
2015-2016. F R Lomax
2016-Current. Terry Stride
2018-Current. F R Lomax
2019-Current. Tony Keast
2019-Current. Tom Jones
GREAT BACKGROUND ARTICLE AND VIDEO HERE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/central-otago-lakes/300168958/the-punt-at-tuapeka-mouth-the-floating-road-that-leads-to-a-secret-chocolate-shop
Check out the ODT report on the 125th celebration - great drone footage of the punt https://www.odt.co.nz/.../anecdotes-flow-punt-anniversary