Gemmell’s Crossing was named after James Gemmell who used to drive his cattle over this part of the Kakanui River. He bought the land on the west side of the Kakanui River in 1870 and with his family he farmed there for the next 50 years.

Gemmell’s crossing is located ten kilometers south-west of Oamaru, near Maheno. It is a place where people go to swim in summer and to relax and get away from everything.

There are wonderful water-holes and a safe stream of water for children to play in.

There are cribs there, that are privately owned, which are often handed down from generation to generation. One family travels from Christchuch for their holidays by the river. There are over 25 cribs all different shapes and sizes, some with hedges for privacy, and others close together and communal.

The atmosphere in the camp is friendly and safe and very busy in the long hot school holidays with children everywhere! There is a large area for tents and campervans, with toilets on site and with mature trees for shade and beauty.

Gemmell’s Crossing reserve used to belong to the Acclimatisation Society, but it now belongs to The Waitaki District Council.

Gemmell’s crossing is a very
special place.

Introduction

I choose this topic because it’s an interesting place and it’s got a lot of history. I also think that it is a fun place to go in the summer to swim in  the water.

© Jahmel

Maheno School 2007

A sign at Gemmell's crossing in the camp.

Photo courtesy of Mrs Moore and MrsTurnbull.

Near the cribs

Photo courtesy of Mrs Moore and MrsTurnbull.

The play area at the cribs.

Photo courtesy of Mrs Moore and MrsTurnbull.

The drive into Gemmell’s Crossing.

Photo courtesy of Mrs Moore and MrsTurnbull.

The cribs.

Photo courtesy of Mrs Moore and MrsTurnbull.