The Birchville Dam in the Akatarawa Forest above Upper Hutt is a historic 1929 water supply dam reached by an intermediate forest walk through native bush and plantation forest. The walk combines the Cannon Point Walkway with a descent to the dam, where a waterfall drops over the dam face into the bush valley below. The track passes through Greater Wellington’s Akatarawa Forest and includes a swingbridge.
Practical Information
| Location | Akatarawa Forest, north of Upper Hutt |
| Main access | Cannon Point Walkway, Bridge Road entrance; also from Tulsa Park, Upper Hutt |
| Distance | ~8km (Cannon Point and Birchville Dam combined) |
| Time | About 90 minutes |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
About the Walk
The walk to Birchville Dam combines two connected routes. From Tulsa Park, the track zigzags uphill through private land and Akatarawa Forest to the summit at Cannon Point, then continues along old forestry roads before descending to Birchville Dam. The dam was built in 1929 to supply water to Upper Hutt and remained in use until 1954, when the Kaitoke water scheme replaced it.
The dam now sits disused in the bush, with a waterfall running over its face. The forest along the route is a mix of native bush and the older pine and eucalyptus plantings typical of the Akatarawa area. A swingbridge adds interest to the descent section of the route.
What Visitors Say
“A really rewarding walk — the forest is beautiful, the dam is a fascinating piece of history and the swingbridge is a nice addition.” — AllTrails
“One of the best walks near Upper Hutt. A good mix of forest types and the dam is well worth seeing.” — Venture New Zealand
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Akatarawa Forest has the official park page with track maps and access information.
AllTrails — Birchville Dam Track has trail maps, visitor reviews and current conditions.
Waterfalls NZ — Birchville Dam Waterfall has information about the waterfall and the route to reach it.
Venture New Zealand — Birchville Dam Walk has a detailed trail description with photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Birchville Dam?
In the Akatarawa Forest north of Upper Hutt. The main access is via the Cannon Point Walkway, Bridge Road entrance, or from Tulsa Park in Upper Hutt.
How long is the walk?
The Cannon Point and Birchville Dam combined route is about 8km, taking around 90 minutes.
What is the Birchville Dam?
A water supply dam built in 1929 that supplied Upper Hutt until 1954. It now sits disused in the bush with a waterfall over its face.
Is it difficult?
The route is graded intermediate — there is a climb from Tulsa Park and the track passes through varied terrain.
Is there a swingbridge?
Yes — the route includes a swingbridge on the descent to the dam.
What type of forest is it?
A mix of native bush and older plantation forest (pine and eucalyptus) typical of the Akatarawa area.
Is there parking?
A small car park is located at the Cannon Point Walkway, Bridge Road entrance.
Who manages the track?
Greater Wellington Regional Council manages the Akatarawa Forest and the tracks within it.
The Waterfalls in Wellington hub lists all waterfall walks in the Wellington region. Kaitoke Regional Park is nearby — the Kaitoke water scheme replaced Birchville Dam in 1954, and the park has its own network of family-friendly walks. Belmont Regional Park Tracks in the hills west of Lower Hutt offer another day of walking in the Wellington region.
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