Bit of history first: In 1906, the Oxbridge brothers constructed the tunnel as a method of extracting gold from beneath the Shotover Rapids. Their idea was to divert a large part of the river away, through a tunnel, in order to extract gold from the waters that were too treacherous at the rapids. The project incured a huge amount of debt that was owed to creditors and eventually their company was put into liquidation. After this, the brothers moved further up the river to mine, and eventually became successful enough to sell up to a consortium for a large sum of money.

There is now a short walk alongside the Shotover River that leads you to a view point of the gorge and rapids. Rather bizarrely, there are the remains of an old steam engine – to me, it looks quite shocked at being left behind! Shotover River is home to the Shotover Jet Boat and these may come haring up the river besides you – just listen out for the screams!