Old Cromwell Reservoir

#189 Do - park at the Jackson Lookout just before reaching Cromwell and head up to the Old Cromwell Reservoir. Climb the steps, zig zag up the short, steep path, smell the thyme, and discover the history. The water scheme, provided Cromwell township with water, was built in 1875 after a typhoid outbreak in Cromwell in 1874 was thought to be due to an open water race that came down from Mt Pisa (on the other side of the valley). The typhoid outbreak involved 110 cases and resulted in 20 deaths - at the time the population of Cromwell was only 376 residents. Great short walk offering beautiful Central Otago landscape and colours and great views over the Cromwell basin. Perfect way to start a Central Otago weekend - my second home

#history #trail #roadtrip