Upper Moores Valley in Wainuiomata located near Whitemans Valley, is a seldom visited area earmarked for high density housing.
Upper Moores Valley was once covered by a thriving old-growth forest. Between 1906 and the 1910s, the trees were cleared, turning the area into pastureland.
The land became known as Cairnbrook Farm, named after David Cairns (1863–1942), a farmer in Wainuiomata from 1904 to 1909. One of his daughters married into the Wood family.
Over time, gorse gradually overtook the pasture, and despite at least one attempt to clear it, the gorse has returned with a vengeance as of 2024.
The land is now owned by a housing development company, believed to be landbanking the area while awaiting legal approval for higher-density housing development than is currently allowed. It’s important to note that while their is the potential for housing development, any specific projects in Upper Moores Valley would still be subject to further planning processes, including community consultation and environmental assessments.
Hi David,
I came across your website after googling about Wainuiomata tracks – it was really interesting to see you are documenting the ‘unofficial’ tracks, which is great. There is often frustratingly little information on official websites beyond the well-travelled tracks.
My family live near the end of Moore’s Valley Road, and we have done some exploring into northern Moore’s Valley. However, we haven’t managed to make our way onto the ECNZ track from there. Can you recommend a particular route? Also if there is a particular way that is horse-friendly (not too steep/muddy), I’d be keen to know.
Many thanks
Jenna
There is a route onto the ECNZ track from Moores Valley, but there is also a gate that blocks access, especially if you are on horseback. But it appears that you can take the firebreak / track at the very back of Moores Valley up to the ridge between Wainuiomata and Whitemans Valley. You should be able to connect to the ECNZ track from there. That said, last time I walked along the ECNZ track, it was quite overgrown in places and unsuitable for horse riding IMO. These overgrown spots were behind Taita and there could be other locations as I haven’t walked the whole track.