Image © Jeremy Foster.
‘The Rock’ typically refers to the area stretching from the viewpoint along Moores Valley, overlooking Richard Prouse Park, to where the Wainuiomata Stream merges with the Wainuiomata River. Additionally, Rock Pool in the Wainuiomata River is situated at the base of the rock in Richard Prouse Park, opposite the accessway between 87 and 89 Hine Road. There used to be access from Moores Valley Road down to here, but it has been overgrown since the mid-1990s.
Quarrying activities from the 1930s to the 1970s altered the hillside landscape, spanning from the end of the houses along Moores Valley Road to the Whitcher Grove area. Known as Moores Valley Quarry, it was established by the Wainuiomata Development Company from the 1930s until the late 1970s. A. J. Pollard & Sons Ltd took over the operation in the 1950s. The extracted rocks and soil were utilised both in Wainuiomata and in other locations.
Today, you can walk from Moores Valley Road to the Gawler Grove Reservoir via the quarry route, which features a clearly marked and cut track. Another track from the Gawler Grove Reservoir leads to the Mowlem Trig and the Wainui Centre Firebreak. Additionally, there is a track that goes up the gully where dynamite was once stored.
