Wainuiomata Regional Park Tour

Wetlands in Wainuiomata - 2024 - © wainuiomata.net

Discover Wainuiomata Regional Park, a hidden valley that links the Hine Road Recreation Area with the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area and Remutaka Forest Park. Once closed to the public because it supplied water to Wellington via the Lower Dam and a network of early pipelines, this historic area is now a regional park with river swimming spots, native forest walks, and easy access from Wellington with pre booked transport.

Why visit Wainuiomata Regional Park

A variety of walking tracks, from easy strolls to more challenging routes
Natural swimming spots along the Wainuiomata River
Rich local history, including old dams, spillways and waterworks artefacts
Native podocarp forest, with stands of eucalypt and pine
Direct walking connections into Remutaka Forest Park for those who want to explore further

Facilities

Toilet facilities
Easy access to the Whakanui Track, Gums Loop Walk, Lower Dam Walk, Sledge Track etc
On the way to the car park you pass several excellent bakeries, a supermarket and other local shops where you can pick up lunch or snacks for your day out.

What you can experience

Native forests, exotic forest, and bird life
Walks that follow the Wainuiomata River and pass natural swimming holes
A large swing bridge with views up and down the valley
The old Lower Dam site and spillway at the eastern end of the park
The Wainuiomata Water Museum, where the story of the dams, pipelines and early water supply is told
On the return journey from Wainuiomata, we pause at a stunning lookout with panoramic views across Wellington Harbour

Cost

Return transport from any location in Wellington, the Hutt Valley, or Porirua to Wainuiomata is priced at NZ$380 per vehicle for the day and includes a local, knowledgeable driver. At the end of your journey, we can return you to your original pick up location or drop you at another destination such as the airport. The vehicle seats up to four passengers, with three adults travelling most comfortably, and is booked exclusively for your private group of one to four people.