Reservoir Road, a private route for waterworks and council staff, doubles as the Lower Dam Walk.
History
In 1880, the Wellington City Council’s water catchment and pipeline project necessitated the acquisition of Sinclair family land to prevent logging and safeguard the pristine condition of the water catchment area. Although the land was not officially purchased from the Sinclairs, an agreement was reached to cease logging and for the council to have access to the water catchment and land for the water race.
In 1883, the family faced bankruptcy and their assets were sold, though not before they had contributed to the construction of a steel tramway leading to the dam. That tramway was eventually replaced by Reservoir Road, which remained unsealed for many years before it was finally paved and widened.
Today
Reservoir Road is primarily a service route for waterworks and regional council staff, but it also doubles as the Lower Dam Walk, which is an integral part of the Gums Loop Walk. This private road, mostly free of vehicles, offers a pedestrian-friendly experience. Although a separate path next to the road is the official walkway, but most walk along the road.
While the road is open to the public for driving up to the car park, vehicle access beyond this point is restricted by a locked gate. This marks the beginning of the path leading to the Waterworks Recreation Area, home to a historic dam and a water museum. Along the way, visitors can explore various walking tracks and enjoy tranquil swimming spots like Ultimate Pool.
Just east of the Wainuiomata Water Museum and the old dam, a locked gate restricts access to the road leading to Morton Dam and the Wainuiomata Treatment Plant. Around this point, the road eventually passes a carpark for the treatment plant and then connects with George Creek Road which was built for the construction and maintenance of the Orongorongo pipeline and tunnel.
