Benmore Dam Boat Ramp sits on the west side of the Benmore Dam, reached by turning off State Highway 83 at Otematata and travelling approximately 5 kilometres to the dam.

The surrounding shoreline is steep and rocky, offering limited fishing from the bank, making the ramp primarily useful as a launch point for boaters. From here, boaters can access two of Lake Benmore's major arms — the Haldon Arm and the Ahuriri Arm.

The route through "the narrows," with its convoluted course, rocky points, and islands, can be disorienting for inexperienced boaters or in poor visibility, and caution is advised when navigating this section.