Tekapo B is unique in New Zealand because it is the only power station surrounded entirely by water. It was constructed on dry land but designed to operate essentially as an island when the level of Lake Pukaki is raised.
Nearly two-thirds of the station are below the water line , and it is waterproofed above the maximum lake level. It connects with the shore by a 75-metre-long bridge. Constructing the foundations for the power station proved to be a challenge. Bedrock was too deep – up to 1.6 kilometres under the glacial clay and sediment. So hefty concrete raft foundations were built, and the power station, which is 46 metres high or as tall as a 14-storey building, was constructed on these instead.
Tekapo B was the second station built to be in the Upper Waitaki hydro scheme and was commissioned in 1977. It can be seen clearly when travelling on State Highway 80 to Aoraki, Mount Cook.
The cache a pill container is hidden near the start of the connecting bridge. bring your own pen if wish to sign the logbook and claim your find.