This used to be a wild and lawless town until the roads opened and law keepers arrived

Until the 1990's the main street was lined with a wonderful array of 1870s stone buildings and shops backing onto one of the giant rivers. They were all destroyed by the arrival of the new lake.

Today, Since the massive hydro development finished Cromwell has been transformed.  The old stone town (CBD) was drowned by the HEP lake.  A new modern outdoor shopping precinct now stands on the opposite side of the original old mining town centre.

Attractions include: cafes, bakeries, restaurants supermarket and an informative museum showing the power scheme and the effort involved with its construction.

Studies We see the effects of dams, learn of the hazards and advantages that bought about the transformation of this delightful area

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