Wainuiomata Regional Park borders extensive lowland native forests in the lower North Island.
Wainuiomata Regional Park connects the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area and Remutaka Forest Park. Since 1884, this area has supplied Wellington’s drinking water. Initially, the Lower Dam and pipeline were constructed, followed by the Morton Dam in 1911 and a weir and pipeline from the Ōrongorongo River in 1926. A basic water treatment facility began in 1963.
By the late 1980s, the Morton Dam was decommissioned, and in 1993, a new treatment plant drew water from weirs in both rivers, producing 60 million litres daily, meeting 15% of Wellington’s water needs. Access to the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area is limited to guided walking tours.
The surrounding areas contain numerous bush walks and the Wainuiomata River has a number of popular swimming holes. Furthermore, a portion of the park is undergoing a decision on whether to create a eco-sanctuary in an area containing virgin rainforest that contains trees older than 1000 years of age. The proposed sanctuary will be called Puketahā.
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