Reefton Power Station

Reefton Power Station is a historic site located in the small town of Reefton, New Zealand.

It was the first power station to supply municipal electricity in the Southern Hemisphere, and it supplied electricity to the prosperous gold mining town of Reefton. The power station was completed in 1888 and started operation on August 4th of that year. The power station was powered by hydroelectric and steam energy, and it used 220 volts direct current. However, the national grid used 230 volts 50 hertz alternating current, so a motor-generator was installed at the power station site to supply customers until rewiring was completed. The Reefton Power Station is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the people of Reefton, who were able to harness the power of the Inangahua River to generate electricity for their town.

Reefton Power Station is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of electricity generation. Visitors can learn about the history of the power station and the town of Reefton at the Reefton Visitor Centre, which is located nearby. The power station is also a great place to take a walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The town of Reefton is located in the Inangahua River valley, and it is surrounded by stunning mountains and forests.

The Reefton Power Station is an important part of New Zealand's engineering heritage, and it is a great example of how innovation and hard work can lead to progress and prosperity. The restoration of parts of the town's pioneer hydro-electric scheme as a power generator and visitor attraction is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Reefton Power Station and the people who built it. The power station was decommissioned in 1949, but parts of the town's pioneer hydro-electric scheme are being restored as a power generator and visitor attraction.