The former Gollans Valley Station, covering 1,366 hectares between Eastbourne and Wainuiomata, is set to open to the public on 19 December, providing new opportunities to explore one of the Wellington region’s most remote landscapes.
Greater Wellington Regional Council plans to open two walking routes using existing farm tracks. The first is a 6km easy-to-moderate walk linking Butterfly Creek with Gollans Valley. The second is the 7km Coastal Tramping Track, following the western ridgeline from Burdan’s Gate towards Pencarrow Head.
Further tracks are being considered, including routes connecting Gollans Valley with Lake Kohangatera and Pencarrow Head via Hornes Ridge.
The tracks will offer a genuine back-country experience, with rough terrain, stream crossings and no toilet facilities. Access may also be restricted during periods of high fire risk.
The regional council purchased the former station for $9 million, with financial support from the estate of Wellington mountaineer John Nankervis. The acquisition brought a substantial stretch of Wellington Harbour’s eastern coastline into public ownership, linking the Northern Forest with the Parangarahu Lakes area.
