Wainuiomata is a sizable suburb within Lower Hutt, located in the Wellington region of New Zealand.
Wainuiomata boasts a unique setting being surrounded by hills and a rugged coastline. The unique topography of Wainuiomata significantly influences the climate, which results in lower minimum temperatures in winter and higher maximum temperatures in summer compared to the rest of the Wellington region. It also isolates the suburb from the rest of Lower Hutt and the Wellington region. The result is a unique place with a rich pioneering past. And with a population nearing 20,000 residents, Wainuiomata has more of a town-like feel, than a suburb.
Roads & Access
The surrounding steep hills has limited access to one road in with the same road out. Called Wainuiomata Road, this four – five lane 80km/h highway climbs 189 metres above sea level. Once it enters the valley, it links to the main area for shops and ends where two main roads begin that take you further into the suburbs.
Town Centre & Suburbs
The centre of Wainuiomata is Queen Street, where most shops and the public library are located. Branching off Queen Street is The Strand where a large Woolworths supermarket is located, along with several fast-food outlets. Suburbia spreads out from here in multiple directions with Parkway to the west, Arakura to the north, and Homedale and the Coast Road to the south.
Parks & Reserves
Nature is Wainuiomata’s strong point. The hills and forest here provide the ideal setting for walks, tramping, and mountain biking. Many tracks are found in scenic reserves like Wainuiomata Regional Park and Remutaka Forest Park. The lush podocarp rainforests here are some of the most pristine in the Southern North Island and contain rare birds like kiwi and the North Island robin. To the south, the coastline offers fishing opportunities and scenic coastal walks. While beach swimming is not safe here, the Wainuiomata River which flows into the sea, has numerous natural swimming areas between the coast and the upper reaches of the river.
Waterworks
The construction of dams and water systems in the late 1800s and early 1900s supported Wellington’s water needs. In the late 1980s, an upgraded water treatment facility took the place of the original scheme. Today, Wainuiomata provides around 15% of Wellington’s water supply.
History
Wainuiomata is nestled in a basin near the Wainuiomata River and the Remutaka mountain range. Before the earthquake of 1855, this land saw minimal Māori activity due to dense forests and swamplands. The suburb started to develop when the earthquake raised up much of the wetlands. This attracted European settlers looking for farmland and loggers looking to harvest native timber.
