Discover Wainuiomata

The 1894 Gollans Valley whisky still near Wainuiomata, a missing woodcutter, four Cameron brothers and the court case that followed.

I visited a historic cemetery on a short trek through the bush, followed by a visit to a Rock Pool, a popular swimming spot.

A video exploring the old Reserve Road, retracing the locations of historic photographs and uncovering hidden and lesser-known places.

Gollans Valley Station opens to the public by Christmas, with new walking tracks linking Butterfly Creek, Eastbourne and Pencarrow Head.

A sweeping view across the expansive green playing fields of Richard Prouse Park in Wainuiomata, framed by trees and bush-covered hills.

Rock Pool is situated in Richard Prouse Park, near the driveway entrance from Hine Road. It gets its name from a large rock / hill nearby.

Explore Burdans Farm, Gollans Valley on a scenic tramp through regenerating native forest, historic sites and rugged coastal hills.

St John’s Anglican Church in Wainuiomata is up for sale after years of neglect and vandalism, with restoration or redevelopment now possible.

A historic bronze memorial plaque has been stolen from Sinclair Cemetery in Wainuiomata. Learn about the theft and how to report information.

My most promising day yet in the search for evidence of historic gold prospecting in the Northern Forest of Wainuiomata.

A picturesque view of Gollans Stream winding through the southern reaches of the Northern Forest in East Harbour Regional Park.

Puketahā is a mountain range overlooking Wainuiomata, featuring three principal summits, rich Māori heritage and forested water catchments.

A short, but difficult trek through lush native forest, exploring a mysterious trench, steep ridge, rugged cliff and tangled gully.

Another expedition into Wainuiomata’s Northern Forest, searching for an old winze linked to the area’s early gold-prospecting history.

Gollans Valley near Wainuiomata, contains Gollans Stream, native bush, historic property, and early farming.

Retracing a historic route through Gollans Valley in search of a gold-bearing reef and evidence of early prospecting activity.

Looking towards the Ōrongorongo Range, with the eastern flank of Gollans Valley and the Coast Road range in the foreground.

Sugarloaf Hill near Coast Road in Wainuiomata takes its name from the traditional sugar loaf, a solid cone of unrefined sugar.

Camp Bay lies below the ridge separating Wellington Harbour from Gollans Valley, linking the wider Eastbourne and Wainuiomata landscape.

As far back as 1869, Hugh Sinclair, one of Wainuiomata’s original settlers, discovered gold-bearing quartz on his land.

A third attempt at finding evidence of historic gold prospecting and early mining activity in the Northern Forest of Wainuiomata.

More than two decades have passed since Kaye Stewart disappeared during what was meant to be a brief walk in Catchpool Valley.

Searching a Wainuiomata hillside for the old water race, forgotten tracks, hidden structures, and clues to the historic overflow route.

Nīkau Creek Valley in Wainuiomata Regional Park has a mix of regenerating bush and untouched old-growth forest.

Discover how Wainuiomata has supplied Wellington with drinking water for more than 140 years and why it remains vital to the region today.

A forgotten 1880s water tunnel beneath Wainuiomata has a remarkable history, having once carried water through to Wellington.

A second attempt at finding evidence of historic gold prospecting in the Northern Forest behind Wainuiomata.

The mysterious 2005 disappearance of Kaye Stewart in Wainuiomata, the major searches that followed, and the questions that remain unanswered.

A search for waterfalls led me instead up a steep, tangled hillside, where I stumbled upon the fading traces of an old bait line.

A striking purple pouch fungus found in Wainuiomata may belong to a group of uncommon native Cortinarius species.

With time to spare, I followed the Zigzag Track before heading off on a bush bash and returning via the Stanley Street Track.

A track inspection followed by a descent to the Orongorongo River and brief visits to both branches of Huia Creek.

A zoomed-in view of The Village in Homedale, the older shopping area of Wainuiomata, photographed from the Stanley Street Track.

Beech forests in Wainuiomata thrive in the hills and higher elevations, providing vital habitat for native birds.

Lush native forests of tree ferns and smaller broadleaf trees are widespread throughout Wainuiomata’s regional parks.

Searching for evidence of historic gold prospecting believed to have taken place in the Northern Forest of Wainuiomata.

The Northern Forest is the large, bush-covered section of East Harbour Regional Park lying between Wainuiomata and Eastbourne.

A bush treasure hunt uncovering an old bench-cut track, pipeline relics, discarded bottles, and a hidden waterfall.

View the abandoned O-K Main Kinney Strainer Chamber in Wainuiomata Regional Park, once part of the historic O-K water pipeline.

A first visit to the Northern Forest section of East Harbour Regional Park in Wainuiomata where I walked the Trig Loop.

A fern-filled gully viewed from the aptly named Fern Gully Track. The well-maintained track climbs gently toward the Northern Forest.

Rātā Ridge Track offers views across Wainuiomata Valley, contrasting native forest with residential streets and open land below.

Explore Mt Lowry, the 373-metre peak above Wainuiomata and Lowry Bay, including its trig, native forest, tracks and local history.

Today, I set out with no clear objective, but believe I found the old entrance to the original Whakanui Track in Reservoir Valley.

This old scour pipe, now hidden in the Wainuiomata bush, once formed part of the Ōrongorongo Water Scheme.

On 2 July 2026, a scour discharged excess water from a pipeline creating a temporary waterfall into the Wainuiomata River.

A first visit to East Harbour Regional Park after fire-risk closures prevented an earlier trip two years before.

Looking south along the lower valley near Coast Road, where low vegetation reveals the contours and sweeping lines of the landscape.

The Story Hub at Baring Head is a small visitor centre sharing the history of the lighthouse, coastline, and surrounding area.

Baring Head / Ōrua-pouanui includes a lighthouse compound, former keepers’ cottages, the Powerhouse, Story Hub, Para Hill, & wartime remains.

Para Hill is the site of a historic military observation post. From this elevated position, the post commanded sweeping views of the Coast.

View of the valley through which Coast Road winds its way. Once dominated by early timber milling, the valley is now a patchwork of farmland.

The oxbows near the Lighthouse Bridge in East Harbour Regional Park are former meanders of the Wainuiomata River.

Fitzroy Bay is on the eastern side of the entrance to Wellington Harbour. It sits between Pencarrow Head to the north and Baring Head.

I explored a possible original access route to the Old Whakanui Track following an overgrown track through gorse and native bush.

Wainuiomata Lookout’ presents panoramas of Wellington Harbour, Wellington city, The South Island, and Lower Hutt including Petone & Seaview.

Following three iterations of the Whakanui Track including the Old Whakanui Track, East Whakanui Track, and the current track.

The forest surrounding the Old Whakanui Track changes noticeably as the route climbs the 600 metre plus hillside.

This moss-laden tree stands on the East Whakanui Track near the top of a ridge, where moisture-laden winds sweep across.

The forest surrounding the Old Whakanui Track changes noticeably as the route climbs the 600 metre plus hillside.

A nostalgic walk through Hine Road Recreation Area, recalling childhood memories of The Paddock, Sinclair Cemetery, and Fairy Lane.

Scrambling up The Rock above Moores Valley Road, exploring old quarry tracks, bush-covered terraces, and hidden paths.

View of The Rock, a large hill behind Moores Valley Road that was once quarried. It likely gained its name from the exposed rock.

Behind Hine Road, this old building raises an interesting question. Is it simply an old bach, or could it have started life as an army hut?

A bush bash up Nikau Creek in search of a hidden waterfall, leading through steep gullies and abandoned tracks.

David Falls is a remote waterfall hidden deep in Nikau Gully, Wainuiomata, well beyond established tracks and absent from standard maps.

Supplejack, also known as kareao, is a native climbing plant often seen winding its way through New Zealand forests.

Along the creek are three main waterfalls commonly referred to as the Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls, along with a number of cascades.

Sunny Grove to Scholes Creek Falls, featuring steep ridges, hidden tracks, creek crossings, and near mishaps.

Ngaturi Park below Coast Road, sits within the lower Wainuiomata Valley and features wide open sports fields.

Scholes Creek Waterfall is located on Scholes Creek and can traditionally be reached via the Scholes Creek Track through Camp Wainui.

Peter Burgess Lodge Complex at Camp Wainui is a group accommodation facility in Wainuiomata, offering lodges, dining facilities, and nature.

Bruce’s Track links with the Mount Crowther Track and Camp Wainui. Although it is a lesser known route, it can be combined with Mahoe Track.

Today, with a friend, I set out to track down a hidden, unnamed waterfall tucked deep within a remote gully beyond Skerretts Creek.

Discover Tony Falls, a remote waterfall hidden in the bush behind Sunny Grove, Wainuiomata, reached via Skerretts Creek and a steep tributary.

Wainuiomata AFC Women’s Firsts defeated Naenae Football Club Dragonflies 4–1 on Sunday at Richard Prouse Park.

Hine Road is best known for its brilliant autumn colours. Each year, the street transforms into a corridor of gold, amber, and deep red.

Queen Street scene in Autumn shows one of Wainuiomata’s main commercial streets as the season begins to change.

Right now, holly trees in numerous locations in Wainuiomata are emblazoned with red berries, giving the scene a distinctly Christmas feel.

Peter Burgess Lodge Complex at Camp Wainui is a group accommodation facility in Wainuiomata, offering lodges, dining facilities, and nature.

The Kittyhawk crash site is mapped through dense native bush, steep ridgelines, and hidden link tracks on the McKerrow Ridge.

Looking at the Whakanui Track bridge at the start of the track near the top of Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata.

Large rātā tree visible from the Whakanui Track above Sunny Grove, set among towering native forest giants.

The objective for the day was to locate and confirm the Kittyhawk crash site. To assist with this, I was joined by Martin Gembitsky

An investigation has confirmed the exact site of the 1943 Kittyhawk crash on McKerrow Ridge above Skerretts Gully near Sunny Grove.

Lush native forest is visible from the Whakanui Track in Wainuiomata as it traverses above Nikau Creek Valley.

I took measurements atop the Water Race Pipe Track in order to predict the full path of the water race in sections unknown.

Exploring the suspected route of the historic Wainuiomata water race pipe track between the Earth Bridge and Coleman’s Tunnel.

Interior view of the old O-K Venturi Meter Hut (Orongorongo Meter House) located beside the old Maintenance Road,

Revisiting last week’s bush bash route with a metal detector, we searched a remote site believed to contain a buried aircraft artefact.

In the hills behind Sunny Grove lies this piece of Kittyhawk aircraft wreckage from 1943 which is thought to be part of the landing gear.

An exploration of Skerretts Creek with friends in search of the Kittyhawk wreckage, tracing aircraft debris through bush and creek bed.

Looking across the bush clad slopes of Skerretts Gully and Skerretts Creek above Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata.

Exploring a secluded Harry Todd Reserve gully reveals a historic weir and early water pipe system likely built to supply Sinclair House.

This view from the Harry Todd Track in the Harry Todd Recreation Reserve shows Hine Road in the foreground.

History of Reservoir Valley in Wainuiomata, from Sinclair Valley and early timber milling to the Lower Dam, Morton Dam and water supply.

A view of the wetland area and the historic dam in Wainuiomata. This wetland was formerly the reservoir for water storage.

View of some cave wētā which inhabit an abandoned 1880s water race, long hidden within the bushline of Wainuiomata.

Today I ventured into an area I have visited many times, which I refer to as the Nikau Creek Plateau and followed a creek up the hillside.

The regional council is investing over a decade in building a large perimeter fence to shield a vast area of native bush.

A challenging bush bash from the Harry Todd Track into a hidden gully near Willis Grove, ending with a hard-earned swim.

Bryan Heath Park is a large open sports ground used for cricket and football, and serves as the home ground of the Wainuiomata Cricket Club.

View of a former classroom block at the old Wainuiomata College campus, a remnant of the school prior to its closure and relocation.

Looking across the Olympic sized pool at the Wainuiomata Baths, also known as the Wainuiomata Summer Pool.

I began near the start of Hine Road in Wainuiomata, where the Harry Todd Track enters the Harry Todd Recreation Reserve.

View of Willis Street near Hine Road in Wainuiomata. This short street is backed by the Harry Todd Recreation Reserve.

Looking from Mount Crowther on the Mount Crowther Track near the transmission station in the Harry Todd Recreation Reserve.

Retracing familiar ground to uncover overlooked historical features, rather than venturing into new areas for deep bush exploration.

A major pest control operation in the Wainuiomata and Orongorongo area reduced possum numbers to zero, setting a 20-year record.

Today I headed to Catchpool Valley and spent time exploring the bush in and around Grace’s Stream in the Remutaka Forest Park.

View across Remutaka Forest Park at Catchpool Valley from the Ōrongorongo Track. This outlook is reached approximately ten minutes into the walk offering an early sense of the valley’s scale and natural setting.  

Grace’s Stream is a minor forest waterway within Remutaka Forest Park, south of Wainuiomata where it flows through areas of native bush.

This older fire ban sign is nailed to a tree in the now abandoned Grace’s Stream Campsite in the Remutaka Forest Park in Wainuiomata.

I returned to the hillside to search for another section of the two kilometre water race, beginning near a pipe and abutment.

Looking down on the Wainuiomata River near the old dam, where the view has opened up slightly, following a 2024 landslide.

These pipes run beneath the old dam and were built to reduce pressure on the dam wall during major floods.

Looking inside the Wainuiomata Water Race. This two-kilometre concrete tunnel was built in the early 1880s and decommissioned in 1902.

Three ducks on the Wainuiomata River just downstream from Ultimate Pool, a popular local swimming and recreation spot.

Wainuiomata contains several abandoned structures built to house meters, filters, and pumps connected to pipelines that transported water.

Further exploration of Wainuiomata’s concrete huts, water race, and pipelines, uncovering their history and connections.

The old dam and its spillway was part of the original 1880s water supply system in Wainuiomata that served Wellington.

The Wainuiomata Native Plant Nursery is a community-run project located within Wainuiomata Regional Park on the edge of the water catchment.

Explorations to documents remaining Wainuiomata Water Works concrete huts to better understand their purpose and history.

I entered Tana Umaga Track and walked to its highest point, where a creek runs down a gully. From there, I climbed up the hillside.

A short side adventure along the southern bank of the Wainuiomata River, exploring old farm tracks and relics from the 1970s.

Beech trees grow along a remote ridge within Wainuiomata Regional Park. There are no formed tracks leading to this area.

While Hine Road is best known for its brilliant autumn colours, spring brings a vibrant display of its own.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council is moving ahead with plans to fence off thousands of hectares of native forest east of Wainuiomata.

Today I set out to explore the hillside between Sledge Track and a mystery bench track I came across during a previous bush bash.

With three hours to spare in the Hutt Valley, I set out for a short trek on the hillside above Wainuiomata Road on the Hutt side.

Wainuiomata Regional Park is seeking Dark Sky Place accreditation, set to become the closest recognised dark sky site to any world city.

A mission to rediscover Solomon Track, a forgotten trail in Wainuiomata that once linked to the original Whakanui Track.

At the base of the spillway at Lower Dam in Wainuiomata Regional Park, the Wainuiomata River is channelled through Reservoir Valley.

I needed a dose of wilderness and I needed it quick. So I explored some gullies and hillsides near Nikau Creek.

A short suburban bush bash offering a light adventure on the fringes of Wainuiomata, blending residential edges with pockets of greenery.

Looking down onto Main Road in Wainuiomata, with a section of the Coast Road valley visible in the distance.

Discover the surviving wheels of a 120-year-old aerial flying fox once used to transport gravel during dam construction in Reservoir Valley.

A Throwback to My First Bush Bash, almost the same location and conditions. I made my way up a hillside near Sunny Grove.

A new bridge has been built at George Creek in the Wainuiomata Catchment after a 2023 flood destroyed the previous one.

I set off towards the Tawa Grove Walk in the Remutaka Forest Park to further investigate a missing person case, but found something else.

I began my trek by parking at the Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park, and not far up the hill from there is the Waiwhetu Tunnel entrance.

Margaret Kaye Stewart vanished in 2005 after a short walk in Wainuiomata’s Catchpool Valley, despite receiving directions from DOC staff.

This old farm building at 864 Coast Road features artwork bearing the words ‘Wainui Coast’, a nod to the nearby coastline.

Given the topography of the land in Wainuiomata, its surrounding hills often trap mist, creating a still, atmospheric landscape.

Wainuiomata has a long history of tunnel construction, central to Wellington’s developing water supply which still exist today.

Tracing the last unexplored section along the Wainuiomata Water Race Track below the Orongorongo Maintenance Track.

New Zealand’s only parasitic flowering plant has been discovered in Wainuiomata, more than a century after wild populations were last seen.

In the late 1960s & early 70s, the Sinclair Cemetery wasn’t known about. Us kids simply called it “The Bush” and it was behind our property.

Today I checked out the final visible section of the water race and explored the area around the old Chlorine Plant.

This gate blocks public access to Maintenance Road, which runs parallel to Reservoir Road and higher up the hillside.

The Wainuiomata Mitre 10 store is a recent addition to the local community, officially opening its doors on Saturday, 10 May, 2025.

In the early 1910s, nestled within the secluded reaches of Sinclair Valley in Wainuiomata, a short-lived but bustling work camp sprang up.

A concrete wall running below Reservoir Road has long been something of a mystery. Here are some theories that may explain its origin.

Mortgagee sale of retail and residential site in Wainuiomata’s Homedale Village, with eight shops and a dwelling on 2,746sqm.

In this bush bash, I set out to explore the area between the first visible section of the water race and the scour pipe.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has successfully purchased a 1366-hectare parcel of land in Gollans Valley Wainuiomata.

Mitre 10 is set to open its new store in Wainuiomata in May 2025. The store occupies the former Warehouse building.

Today, I hiked a steep bush-covered slope tangled with supplejack, to discover more sections of the 1880s water race.

This view over eastern Homedale, including Richard Prouse Park, has been a popular vantage point for photography since the 1880s.

This was going to be more of a history tour than a bush bash. Nevertheless, it would require bushbashing to see the sites I wanted to visit.

The Wainuiomata Community Water Station serves as a crucial component of the region’s emergency water supply network.

View of Hine Road Recreation Area as seen from a hill behind Reservoir Road. Sunny Grove (once known as Skerretts Gully) is also in view. 

Today, I set out to find more evidence of the water race first discovered on my previous bush-bashing adventure.

My latest bush bash: I unearthed three artefacts from the 1880s, then nearly became one myself after being attacked by wasps.

A recently discovered rectangular concrete slab in the Wainuiomata bush features a small metal door engraved with the letters “W W”.

This recently discovered drainage pipe, dating back to the 1880s, was constructed to channel a creek beneath an earth bridge.

I decided to revisit the scour pipe area, believing it held more discoveries since I had never fully explored the terrain.

Today, I set out to visit Wainuiomata’s south coast, with Turakirae Head Scientific Reserve as my main destination.

This gravel beach ridge marks the shoreline as it was approximately 2,300 years ago. Beyond this, there are 2 additional gravel beach ridges.

Following a creek to the top of the hill behind Sunny Grove I connected with the Whakanui Track then descended into the head of Nikau Valley.

Today, I tackled the hill behind Sunny Grove again, but in a different location by following a creek up the hillside.

Starting at Sinclair Cemetery, I climbed the hill behind Sunny Grove to capture photos of the surrounding landscape.

Nikau Creek Terrace is a plateau located on the opposite bank of Nikau Creek, running parallel to Nikau Creek Track.

In Nikau Valley lies this strand of young Kahikatea trees standing gracefully amidst the lush surroundings.

A tract of regenerating forest on a slope in Nikau Valley within Wainuiomata Regional Park and accessible via Nikau Creek Track.

Looking down upon Richard Prouse Park from the top of a ridge, behind Sunny Grove. You can see both sections of the park.

Brosnans, a local construction firm, began work on the junior block in 2023. This marked an important step forward for the school.

My first destination was a concrete platform near Skerretts Creek followed by a trek alongside Wainuiomata Stream.

View of Wainuiomata Stream flowing through dense vegetation, with overhanging trees and grassy banks along its course.

View from a car park and grass field in Wainuiomata’s water catchment area, looking toward Morton Dam in the distance.

The ranger’s office in Wainuiomata Regional Park was originally constructed to accommodate waterworks staff.

I planned to explore an area east of Sledge Track Creek that I had left out on previous treks. It was time to mark this area off my list.

At the lowest level of the old dam spillway, large metal spikes are visible jutting out of the water. Could these have supported a bridge?

Sledge Track Pool also known as Discreet Pool and Hidden Pool is a natural swimming hole in the Wainuiomata River.

Mitre 10’s plans to relocate into the former The Warehouse building are progressing well, with nine job vacancies currently advertised.

Today, I set out to explore the last few outlying areas of Sledge Track and Sledge Track Creek that I hadn’t covered in previous trips.

Majestic trees dominate the landscapes of Wainuiomata’s forest parks, such as Remutaka Forest Park and Wainuiomata Regional Park.

I followed a stream that flows down a gully on The Rock to a ridgeline that runs atop the Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve.

The goal today was to locate the site of Smiths Whare (an old fishing hut) and an old track located near the Wainuiomata Stream and River.

A view of Richard Prouse Park and the Wainuiomata AFC clubrooms, with Hine Road also visible. You can also see Harry Todd Recreation Reserve.

The Gawler Reservoir has a capacity of 3.9 million litres, while the larger Konini Reservoir holds 5.1 million litres.

View of Sunny Grove, Hine Road, and Hine Road Recreation Area as seen from a ridge in Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve.

From a ridge above Moores Valley Road, looking westward, you can spot Moohan Street, Bryan Heath Park, Fitzherbert Road, Wainuiomata College.

A view of the Wainuiomata Stream joining the Wainuiomata River. The stream notably boosts the river’s flow.

View of Richard Prouse Park on the western side of the Wainuiomata River with a water pipe just visible in the background.

Cliff Pool, also known as Black Pool, is located at Richard Prouse Park, where the Wainuiomata River splits the park and meets a steep bank

Today, I explored below Sinclair Cemetery to investigate a concrete platform that existed before housing in Sunny Grove.

Pylons near the top of Wainuiomata Hill show the location of the ECNZ Power Pylon Track where you can walk from Seaview to Whitemans Valley.

Work is well underway on the expansion of the Garden of Remembrance at Hine Road Recreational Area in Wainuiomata.

A concrete wall aligns part of the Wainuiomata River in Reservoir Valley. Situated on the northern side with Reservoir Road above.

Today’s expedition was to complete the tramway track that once ran from Naenae to Moores Valley in Wainuiomata and locate any artefacts.

Upper Moores Valley in Wainuiomata located near Whitemans Valley, is a seldom visited area earmarked for high density housing.

Today’s hike was set to be a bit different. The plan was to trek over the eastern hills at Naenae and end up in Moores Valley in Wainuiomata.

Near the top of Moores Valley is this small field where someone has planted a bus stop sign. Photo taken from a shed located in the forest.

Today’s adventure involved searching for evidence of an old tramway in Reservoir Valley, dating from the mid to late 1800s.

On a bright winter day at Richard Prouse Park in Wainuiomata, the clear, crisp air creates ideal conditions for photography.

Looking west at a wetland on the valley floor of Reservoir Valley. This area, near the start of Sledge Track, features a boardwalk.

This recently discovered rusted object has an uncertain purpose, but it could be a log dolly used for moving logs or pipes.

With a couple of spare hours up my sleeve, I did a small trek in the bush alongside the Wainuiomata River and below Reservoir Road.

Today, I found further evidence of an undocumented hut that existed prior to the 1930s in Reservoir Valley.

Wainuiomata has emerged as the most leak-prone suburb in the Wellington region, according to recent data from Wellington Water.

In this episode, I uncover the exact location of Pearson’s Hut and find scattered remnants of building materials that once belonged to it.

I explore The Terrace in hopes of finding two undocumented huts that were gone by the 1930s. Did I find them?

Today, I explored the gum forest between Ultimate Pool and Swingbridge Pool where I found and followed an old track.

A new extension track has been created in Hine Road Recreation Reserve by the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Evening light bathing Nikau Creek Valley in Wainuiomata Regional Park. This valley has a short walking track alongside a creek.

Swingbridge Pool as the name suggests, is located near a swing bridge. It’s also known as Ford Pool due to its proximity to a ford.

Ultimate Pool as the name suggests, is considered by many to be the best natural swimming hole in Wainuiomata.

A calm winter day at Richard Prouse Park in Wainuiomata. With no wind, the area often becomes quite foggy, as the hills trap the mist.

Looking at  Nikau Creek Valley in Wainuiomata Regional Park, as seen on a foggy winter day. Within this valley is a creek and a scenic track.

Coast Road Church in Wainuiomata in 2024. This church was built in 1866 and is the oldest Methodist church in the Wellington region.

The lagoon at Camp Wainui in Wainuiomata offers a scenic spot suitable for swimming and kayaking within the camp.

This is a view of the lower reaches of Scholes Creek just before it flows outside the bushland near Camp Wainui on the Coast Road.

View of lower slopes near Mt McKerrow, as seen from Bivy Track. This track starts or finishes at Scoles Creek Track and Camp Wainui.

View from Spear Cut Track of Reservoir Valley in Wainuiomata. Sunny Grove is hidden below the hill to the right.

Trees cast their shadows across the bank of a waterway next to Bryan Heath Park in Wainuiomata. This waterway empties into Black Creek.

I revisited an old trench and pipe concealed in the bush near the old waterworks track, an unsealed road used to service the water raceway.

The valley’s topography and lack of wind can cause low clouds and mist to become trapped by the surrounding hills and mountains.

From the Wainui Lookout, perched on the western hills dividing Wainuiomata from Lower Hutt, you can view undulating hills.

Today, I explored Reservoir Valley / Sinclair Valley by deviating from Gums Loop Walk to follow the old track through the valley.

Sledge Track Creek flows alongside Sledge Track and then extends further uphill where a less maintained track continues to follow the creek.

View of Tana Umaga Track in Wainuiomata Regional Park. The track is best described as a short and steep firebreak track.

A view of the Wainuiomata River from the Main Road Bridge in Homedale. with deciduous trees in view, adding autumn colours.

A view of the Main Road in the Village on a cloudy autumn day. Mist-covered hills in the background add a sense of wilderness to the scene.

Today, I went off the beaten path in Reservoir Valley to try and find an old track to Lower Dam in Wainuiomata.

This view from the southern bank of the Wainuiomata River captures Lower Dam, just before the river cascades down downstream.

Sledge Track Loop is a short walk option from the larger Sledge Track. It starts and ends at Mackay Cottage.

The Pukeatua Bridge crosses over the top of Wainuiomata Hill Road. The bridge links pedestrian and cycling pathways along the eastern hills.

This section of the waterway has been restored with native vegetation and features a public walkway between two new housing developments.

The Morton Dam, out of service since 1988, is being reconsidered for potential reactivation to boost Wellington water supply.

I headed east of Nikau Creek and met a special guest whose presence added a touch of enchantment to my adventure.

The Morepork is a small owl native to New Zealand. It gets its name from the sound of its call, which sounds like “more-pork.”

I headed up the hill behind Top Pool, reached the ridge, then dropped down to Nikau Creek Valley.

I followed an unnamed creek up a steep hill, got stuck in a ravine, then lost my shirt. Today was a bit of a mixed bag.

Secret Pool (also known as Indian Pool) is a swimming hole in the Wainuiomata River. It is the next swimming area downstream from Top Pool.

Gums Loop Meadow is essentially where Gums Loop Walk derives its name. The meadow contains eucalyptus trees.

I checked out the Old Whakanui Track and then crossed over Nikau Creek and bush bashed behind a swamp near Gums Loop Walk. What did I find?

Gums Loop Swamp is a wetlands located near Gums Loop Meadow. This wetland is basically hidden away as it is fringed with forest.

This view can be seen from the Old Whakanui Track. The track’s entrance is mostly hidden from view as it is not well maintained.

Typical overcast day in Autumn as seen from the Wainuiomata Hill Lookout. The view here is always good, no matter the weather.

I mapped the location of the probable Kittyhawk crash site, & scoped out 2 other potential sites.

View of lush forest on the McKerrow Track. The track follows a ridge and offers some great views of Wainuiomata and Wellington below.

We know what the pros for wildlife sanctuaries are. But what are the cons for a wildlife sanctuary in Wainuiomata?

On March 25th, a new KFC branch commenced operations in Wainuiomata. Situated at 18 The Strand, it stands opposite McDonald’s.

This bush bash was planned as a revisit of the Kittyhawk plane crash site as discovered in my previous adventure called Bush Bash 12.

As dusk falls over Wainuiomata, the setting sun bathes the landscape in its warm, reddish hues, casting shadows across the valley below.

The once bustling shops in The Village, Homedale’s historic commercial heart, now sit in varying states of decline and in some cases.

A fragment of aircraft fuselage, serves as a poignant reminder of a wartime training accident that took place more than 80 years ago.

At long last, the day had arrived to discover the wreckage of the Kittyhawk, the plane that went down in the Wainuiomata Hills in 1943.

This cylindrical structure was once part of the Skerretts Creek water catchment. The catchment itself ceased operations in the early 1960s.

Lush rainforest surrounds much of Skerretts Creek, but the vegetation thins out slowly as you head up the slopes of the valley.

This is part of a plane wreck, specifically the landing gear, from a kittyhawk that crashed in 1943. Other parts lie scattered nearby.

At some point, a landslide has moved these trees farther down the steep incline beneath the McKerrow Track.

A misspelling on this sign says ‘Hine River’ when it should say ‘Hine Road’. The river that flows along Hine Road is the Wainuiomata River.

View of a lush forest on the slopes of Skerretts Creek Valley. The forest is beautiful, but not far from here is a steep cliff face.

This view from the Whakanui Track gives an expansive look at Wainuiomata. Immediately below is Nikau Valley and Moores Valley.

From the Whakanui Track, you can enjoy a distant view of Wellington and Wellington Harbour, with the South Island mountains visible.

A stroll along Nikau Track, then delving deeper into the historic Whakanui Track before venturing into the bush.

The aged bench is situated towards the conclusion of the Old Nikau Creek Trail. Beneath it lies a geocache container.

Exotic trees in Wainuiomata were introduced primarily to replace native trees that were logged in the mid to late 1800s.

Looking at Gums Loop Meadow located on Gums Loop Walk in the Wainuiomata Regional Park. The meadow was once farmland.

At the end of Nikau Creek Track are two wooden bench seats. The track is an easy 30 minute walk offering views of Nikau Creek.

View of the Wainuiomata River as it flows into the south coast. This area is rugged and wind-swept, but swimming in the river is pleasant. 

During the summer months, the southern section of Coast Road appears dry, presenting a stark contrast to the nearby Remutaka Forest Park.

The lower reaches of Wainuiomata River as observed during summer. It traverses arid looking terrain in the month of February.

The Orongorongo Track entrance is quite elaborate compared to other walks. However, this entrance is also used for other tracks.

Walking through Remutaka Forest Park is a rewarding experience, offering some of the the region’s most diverse and scenic natural landscapes.

The start of the Middle Ridge Track also connects to the Orongorongo Track in Catchpool Valley, Wainuiomata.

Looking at Catchpool Stream located in Catchpool Valley. The stream is located at the entrance to a number of walks in Remutaka Forest Park.

View of Bottom Field at Poole Crescent Reserve. The appellation ‘Bottom Field’ originates from its use by Wainuiomata Primary School.

View of Main Street Bridge as seen from the Wainuiomata River at Poole Crescent Reserve. The bridge was once known as the School Bridge.

I walked through the Hair Stream Storm Water Pipe under The Village and captured photographs along the way.

Today, I participated in the Wainuiomata Water Walk, a complimentary excursion open to all, but limited to 40 people.

In a significant win for conservation, the kiwi population has expanded from Wainuiomata to Whitemans Valley in Upper Hutt.

Looking at the side of the Wainuiomata Treatment Plant located near Morton Dam and the waterworks car park.

View from atop Morton Dam looking at what was once the area of stored water. This is what 36 years of natural regeneration looks like.

This area was deforested in the 1880s. This is what re-generated bush looks like some 140 years later. The location is Sinclair Valley.

Water is passed through turbine generators housed in a dedicated building. Inspections of the generator are conducted no more than weekly.

This water pipe is located in the restricted area of the waterworks, near Morton Dam. It transports water from weirs located in the Wainuiomata River.

Podocarps once covered the Wainuiomata Valley. Today, they can still be found in the lower sections of hills and in numerous remote gullies.

Two weirs in the Wainuiomata River have replaced Morton Dam in Wainuiomata. The image shows the smaller of the two weirs.

Another look at Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve in the hope of discovering remnants of an old water catchment dating back to the 1940s to 1960s.

Top Pool was widely considered the best swimming hole in Wainuiomata until the council filled it with stones in the 1980s to discourage swimming.

This footbridge connects Hine Road Recreational Reserve to Wainuiomata Regional Park. Nearby is Top Pool, a popular swimming hole.

The water catchment that supplied Wainuiomata with water was located in Skerretts Creek in the mid 1950s to early 1960s.

This small foot bridge is located on the Whakanui Track where it crosses Skerretts Creek above Sunny Grove.

With a couple of hours up my sleeve and harbouring a foot injury, I embarked on a series of smaller expeditions into the bushlands of Wainuiomata.

A proposed sanctuary in Wainuiomata, akin to Zealandia, but on a larger scale, is currently being considered by the government.

I embarked on the Old Forest Walk, an off-limits to the public area and primeval realm, surrounded by ancient rātā and rimu.

This is one of two weirs that collect water in the Wainuiomata River. Another three weirs exist in the Orongorongo Valley.

I complete my exploration of the lower Skerretts Creek area, with no new  discoveries – just more awesome nature.

The rebuild of Wainuiomata Primary School is ongoing in 2024. Pictured is the demolition site of some old classrooms on the 21 January, 2024.

A spontaneous bush-bashing adventure sparked by a sudden decision to explore a Wainuiomata scenic reserve.

Example of a buttress root system that helps stabilise trees that grow in shallow soil. This giant is located near the Hair Street.

Scenic view of Wainuiomata River as seen from Poole Crescent Reserve. The reserve is a perfect location for a relaxed walk.

Walking through Poole Crescent Reserve in the Village direction at the Richard Prouse Park end. This walkway traces the Wainuiomata River.

In this bush bash adventure, I find another site with remnants of an old hut and explore more of Skerretts Creek and surrounding area.

My first bush bash for 2024. On this journey, I traced two unnamed streams and stumbled upon an old abandoned hut.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council seeks Government funding for the creation of a bird “super sanctuary” in Wainuiomata called Puketaha.

Looking at the entrance to the Hine Road car park and Hine Road Recreation Reserve. This is a great base for further exploration of the area.

Photo of The Garden of Remembrance in Wainuiomata taken in the year 2023. This cemetery site is located in Hine Road Recreation Reserve.

Looking at Wainuiomata River from the Main Road Bridge with entrance and track to Pool Crescent Reserve just visible to the right.

This short video shows birds flying under the Main Road Bridge that traverses the Wainuiomata River near Rotary Park.

Before the construction of the Main Road Bridge, there was a ford that allowed access across the Wainuiomata River.

This Methodist Church in Wainuiomata stands as a historical building, mirroring the design of numerous early colonial churches in New Zealand.

Most people walking on the Whakanui Track will start at the top of Sunny Grove. But the track use to start just above Sinclair Cemetery.

More than two decades have passed since Kaye Stewart disappeared during what was meant to be a brief walk in Catchpool Valley.

Looking at both McDonalds and Woolworths at The Strand in Wainuiomata. Woolworths is the largest supermarket in the suburb.

View of the lower end of Queen Street in Wainuiomata. Queen Street is dissected by The Strand which can just be seen to the left.

Two hidden tanks on the track to Crowther Trig. It is not currently known if these two tanks were fed by the Skerretts Creek Catchment.

The idea of a cable car spanning the Wainuiomata Hill has been floated as a bold solution to long-standing transport challenges.

As a kid growing up in Sunny Grove in the 1960s and 70s, I often played in Sinclair Cemetery which was behind our property.

Wainuiomata’s Queen Street serves as a primary hub for various shops and it houses the Community Centre and Public Library.

Read about my fourth bush bash adventure into the wilds of Wainuiomata near Sunny Grove. I discover remnants of an old hunters hut.

A timeline taken from the same lookout near the car park at the top of the Wainuiomata Hill. Click photo to activate the timeline.

There is no track here, but trekking up Skerretts Creek involves a lot of rock hopping. Eventually it opens out to this view.