Wainuiomata River

Wainuiomata River is a recreational asset for Wainuiomata and important water source for Wellington.

The Wainuiomata River is a cherished recreational asset for the Wainuiomata community where a number of nature reserves, walks, and swimming holes exist. It is also an important waterway for the Wellington region as the Wainuiomata Catchment Area is responsible for providing 15% of Wellington’s water supply.

History

Wainuiomata River was central to the area’s early settlement, supporting timber mills in the 1850s and 1860s, particularly around the Village, later known as Homedale.

In 1879 Wellington residents voted to expand the city’s water supply, prompting the search for a new source. By 1884 a dam had been built in Sinclair Valley, Wainuiomata, with water piped to Wellington. A second dam, the Morton Dam, followed nearby in 1910. Later, a new catchment with weirs was developed in the Ōrongorongo Range, with water conveyed through the Ōrongorongo tunnel and a further pipeline.

Location

Water is collected from the Wainuiomata River within the Wainuiomata/Ōrongorongo Catchment Area, situated in Sinclair Valley deep within the Remutaka Range. From there, the river flows westward through Wainuiomata Regional Park, where there are several good swimming holes and riverside walks. It continues around Richard Prouse Park and through Poole Crescent Reserve, where more natural swimming spots can be found. The river then passes under the Main Road bridge near “The Village” and continues west through Rotary Park. At the end of Rotary Park, the river turns sharply south and follows Coast Road through a long rural valley towards the southern coastline of Wainuiomata.

Swimming

The Wainuiomata River has numerous swimming holes. Too many to count. Here is a list of the more popular swimming locations: Top Pool, Ultimate Pool, Sledge Track Pool, Swing-Bridge Pool, Cliff Pool, Glass Pool, etc.

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