Bush Bash 21

I revisit an old trench and scour pipe, hidden in the bush of Reservoir Valley.

With an hour and a half to spare, I considered embarking on a short adventure in the wilds of Wainuiomata. But where to go? About a year ago, I was shown an old trench and pipe concealed in the bush near the old maintenance track, an unsealed road used to service the water raceway from the original dam. I decided to revisit this site and follow the trench from start to finish.

I entered the bush at a concealed spot on Reservoir Road. Once inside, I trekked up a slope, made slippery by recent rain. I continued until I reached the start of the trench that was undoubtedly man-made. I ventured into the trench, pushing aside small trees and vegetation that covered it. Perhaps only 20 metres long, it led to the water pipe, which seemed to be perpendicular to the main pipe running under the old Waterworks Track, also known to some as Upper Road. It was quite dark in the bush, as it was late in the day and clouds were blocking the sun. Consequently, I had to turn on my flash to take some photos.

Upon examining the pipe, I pondered its purpose. My guess is that it diverts water from the main pipe for quality testing. The pipe emerges from the nearby bank and overhangs the slope at the end. There is also a large metal gear mechanism in the area that probably controls the water flow. However, I couldn’t locate it this time. Nevertheless, I have included a photo from a previous visit in the gallery below.

I then walked along Waterworks Track with bush bashing through the overgrown section, till I came to a curved mound that looked like a dam. It’s purpose however, could have been to conceal and protect the old main water pipe beneath or maybe it was just part of the old road. Moving on, I passed a concrete manhole and then it was onto Concrete Hut. I entered through the main doorway and took photos of the wall where a water meter once hung on the wall. I then continued along the Waterworks Track, but then it started raining, so I descended a steep slope into the bush below the old track to reach Reservoir Road below.

Although this wasn’t a particularly long or adventurous trek compared to others I’ve undertaken, it was a great way to spend a spare hour or two. I managed to get my exercise for the day and document the trench and pipe with photos, something I had been planning to do. Having ticked that box, I headed over to Petone to watch a football game.