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 played an important role in the early settlement of Wainuiomata. The river supported timber mills in the 1850s-1860s, mainly around “The Village” or “Homedale” area.

Then in 1879, Wellington residents voted to expand their water supply and needed a new source for water. By 1884, a dam was built in Sinclair Valley in Wainuiomata with the water being piped to Wellington. This dam was replaced by the Morton Dam in 1910, along with the establishment of the Ōrongorongo tunnel and a further pipeline.

Waterworks

Water collection from the Wainuiomata river is located in the Wainuiomata/Ōrongorongo Catchment Area located in Sinclair Valley deep within the Remutaka range. Below that, the river flows westward through Wainuiomata Regional Park where many good swimming holes are located as well as some riverside walks. It then traverses around Richard Prouse Park and through Poole Crescent Reserve where other natural swimming areas exist. From there it flows under the bridge on Main Road near “The Village” and continues west through Rotary Park. At the end of that park, the river turns 90 degrees to head south and run alongside Coast Road through a long rural valley toward the southern coastline of Wainuiomata.

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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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