Top Pool as the name suggests, was widely considered the best swimming hole in Wainuiomata.
Top Pool was widely considered the premier natural swimming spot in Wainuiomata. However, the Wellington Regional Water Board expressed dissatisfaction with people swimming near the water catchment area. Consequently, they opted to deposit several truckloads of gravel and stones into the pool to discourage further swimming activities in the area.
Over time, floods have carried some of the gravel and stones downstream, resulting in improvement. Nonetheless, the depth of the pool has diminished compared to its former state, preventing people from jumping in from the nearby bank as they did prior.
To reach Top Pool, you have a couple of options. From the Reservoir Road car park, you can take a path downward toward Wainuiomata River and you are there. Alternatively, you can start from the Hine Road car park, heading towards the Gums Loop Walk entrance. Instead of embarking on the loop walk, veer left over the bridge spanning the Wainuiomata River, leading you directly to the pool.
When you visit Top Pool, think about gathering a few rocks and placing them in the rock dam downstream. Over time, this action will aid in deepening the pool.
