From now on, deciding whether to take the boat to the Clyde end of Lake Dunstan for a sail or cruise should be plain sailing.
In response to a plea from a keen boat user, a web camera installed on the deck of the Clyde Dam allows people to see a panoramic view of the lake and is updated every 15 minutes. Contact Energy installed the camera.
Its head of hydro-electricity generation, Boyd Brinsdon, said it was hoped the information would be useful to anglers, rowers, kayakers and boat users.
"We're sure lots of people will be keen to see the water conditions before they head to the lake. And this time of year, I guess rowers, who train all winter, will benefit the most.''
The webcam was inspired by Alexandra boating enthusiast Scott Liddell, who pointed out the weather was sometimes fine and calm in Alexandra but there could be "whitecaps and a screaming northerly'' on the lake.
Contact will monitor how many people use the service and is considering a similar device on the Hawea River, which is popular with kayakers.
Mr Liddell said it was "awesome'' Contact had acted on his suggestion.
"I'm quite impressed it's happened.''
● To see the view from the Clyde Dam camera, click on contact.co.nz/corporate/community
