Wainuiomata offers prime opportunities to explore podocarp rainforests across several scenic reserves.
Reserves located in Wainuiomata safeguard the unique and varied landscapes and forests found here. They let you enjoy the best that nature has on offer in the southern portion of the North Island. They are also a haven for native bird life including kiwi.
Remutaka Forest Park
The Remutaka Forest Park is an expansive natural area located in the southern part of New Zealand’s North Island. The park spans over 20,000 hectares and offers diverse landscapes which includes large tracts of native forests, set among high hills and lofty mountains. The park is a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, birdwatching, and picnicking. Within the park is an extensive network of tracks. These tracks show off the diverse flora and fauna this area of New Zealand has on offer. Included is a good variety of bird species like tui, kererū (wood pigeon), and even kiwi.
Catch Poole Valley
Catchpool Valley acts as the main gateway to Remutaka Forest Park, providing essential amenities like car parking, campgrounds, and toilets. From here, visitors can embark on numerous picturesque walks.
Wainuiomata Regional Park
The Wainuiomata Regional Park links the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area and Remutaka Forest Park. Since 1884, it’s been the primary source of Wellington’s drinking water, initially relying on the Lower Dam and pipeline. Over time, developments included the construction of a larger dam called Morton Dam in 1911. While access to the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area is limited to guided walking tours, the surrounding area offers various bush walks near the Wainuiomata River. Some bigger tracks take you into the Remutaka Forest Park.
Hine Road Recreational Area
The Hine Road Recreation Area, also known as The Meadow, is home to both the Wainuiomata Garden of Remembrance and the Sinclair Cemetery. It’s a popular spot for dog walking, ball games, and serves as an entry point to Wellington Regional Park. It also provides access to both the Whakanui Track and the adjoining Wainuiomata Regional Park.
Harry Todd Recreation Area
Harry Todd Recreation Area offers an escape into nature, featuring some hilly walks through tracks that pass through both native forest and a pine grove. There are some views of Reservoir Valley from the left hand flank.
Richard Prouse Park
Richard Prouse Park serves as a public space dedicated to sports like football and cricket. Adjacent to Wainuiomata Regional Park, it stands as one of the entry points for individuals wishing to explore the adjacent regional park and its various walking trails. The Wainuiomata River runs along the park’s boundary, dividing it partially until a footbridge reconnects the divided sections. Accessible from this park are specific river spots suitable for swimming.
Poole Crescent Reserve
Located on the banks of the Wainuiomata River between the Main Road Bridge and Richard Prouse Park. There is a swimming hole at Bottom Field called Glass Pool. The reserve was named after Henry James Poole (1855 – 1947) and his son, Herbert John Poole (1899 – 1989). They were investors in the Wainuiomata Development Company and one of them held a position as a director in the company.
Rotary Park
Rotary Park is a grass track that follows Black Creek to where it joins the Wainuiomata River. It leads to an expansive grassy area with a small bridge and a path alongside the river.
Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve
The Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve previously served as a water catchment area supplying water to Wainuiomata. It spans a large area and features several tracks, with the primary entrance located on Hair Street.
Queen Street Reserve
Queen Street Reserve is located in the heart of the CBD in Wainuiomata. It is located behind the Wainuiomata Community Hall and Wainuiomata Library.
Bryan Heath Park
Bryan Heath Park, situated on Fitzherbert Road in Wainuiomata, serves as a sports ground hosting cricket during the summer and football (soccer) in the winter.
Ngaturi Park
Ngaturi Park is a large grass area that backs onto the Wainuiomata River. This green space also has a children’s playground. The park is ideal for walking the dog, running, and recreational sports.
East Harbour Regional Park
East Harbour Regional Park comprises three distinct sections: 1) The Northern Forest extends across hills from Eastbourne to Wainuiomata, boasting majestic Northern Rātā trees and abundant wildlife. 2) Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui, accessible from Wainuiomata, presents rugged, secluded landscapes featuring a lighthouse and panoramic vistas of the Cook Strait. 3) Parangarahu Lakes, situated south of Eastbourne, are renowned for biking and walking activities. Explore two lighthouses and two breathtaking lakes.
Puketahā Wildlife Sanctuary
A proposed wildlife sanctuary for Wainuiomata called Puketahā would provide a much-needed mainland habitat for many endangered birds including kākāpō, kiwi, rowi, and hihi. The area is inside the water catchment in Wainuiomata which contains virgin forest with some trees over 1000 years old. Species include rātā, miro, mataī, hīnau and tawa.
