Last updated July 2026
The Wainuiomata Regional Park, also known as the Wainuiomata Recreation Area, lies in the hills east of Lower Hutt and provides easy access to regenerating native bush, river swimming holes and historic water supply features. The park serves as a gateway to larger lowland forests in the lower North Island and is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Popular short walks start from the lower dam area, while the adjoining Wainuiomata Water Collection Area offers guided tours into old-growth forest. Vehicle access is available during set hours, with the park open to walkers at all times.
Practical Information
| Location | 10 Whitcher Grove, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt |
| Access | Whitcher Grove off Moores Valley Road or Hine Road; vehicle gates open 6am–6pm winter, 6am–8pm daylight saving |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead on Gums Loop, Sledge Track, Lower Dam Walk and Tana Umanga Track (restrictions apply after 1080 operations) |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
| Facilities | Toilets at ranger’s office, water history museum open 9am–5pm daily |
About Wainuiomata Regional Park
The park occupies the lower valley of the Wainuiomata River where early logging and dam construction took place. Remnants of the old logging tramway and dam construction camps remain visible. The Lower Dam, completed in 1911 as the Morton Dam, was decommissioned in 1988 and the reservoir drained, creating wetland habitat. A state-of-the-art water treatment plant built in 1993 now draws water from weirs in the Wainuiomata and Ōrongorongo catchments.
Visitors can explore the lower dam area and the adjacent water history museum, which opened in 2018 and displays historic catchment artefacts. The park supports walking, mountain biking and swimming, with the river providing popular summer swimming holes marked on the park map. Seasonal guided walks into the protected water collection area and stargazing events are also offered.
The area forms part of the largest and most pristine lowland forests in the lower North Island. Native bush regeneration is ongoing, and the park connects to broader trail networks in East Harbour Regional Park and Remutaka Forest Park.
Tracks and Walks
The Gums Loop Track is the easiest and most popular option, a roughly 2.8 km loop taking about one hour return through eucalyptus plantings near the valley floor. It is well-marked, gentle and suitable for most fitness levels.
The Sledge Track offers a 1.5 hour return walk through native bush with valley views. The Tana Umanga Track provides a short 1.1 km option with some steep sections leading to views of the lower dam wetland. The Lower Dam Walk runs alongside Reservoir Road and is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs in parts.
Longer ridge walks such as the Main Ridge Track to Days Bay and Rātā Ridge Circuit start from nearby entrances including the Wainuiomata Hill lookout and extend into East Harbour Regional Park. The Whakanui Track provides access from the Hine Road area into Remutaka Forest Park.
River Swimming
The Wainuiomata River flows through the valley floor with several popular swimming holes accessible from the lower tracks. Locations are shown on the official park map. The pools provide a refreshing destination after short walks, especially on warm days. Always supervise children near the water.
History and Cultural Context
Māori used the hills and valleys as travel routes between the Wairarapa and Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Later European activity focused on timber extraction and water supply infrastructure. The Morton Dam supplied Wellington’s drinking water from 1911 until its decommissioning. The site now highlights both the engineering heritage and the shift to modern catchment management.
What Visitors Often Say
The Gums Loop offers a pleasant, well-marked short walk through gum trees with easy access to the river and dam area, ideal for a relaxed outing close to Lower Hutt.
The Main Ridge route to Days Bay provides rewarding bush and views, with the coastal finish making it a satisfying point-to-point option when transport is arranged.
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Wainuiomata Regional Park: Official page with track details, maps, access information and current notices.
AllTrails — Wainuiomata to Days Bay via Main Ridge: User maps and reviews for ridge walks starting near the recreation area.
Wainuiomata Regional Park Brochure (PDF): Downloadable map and track descriptions from Greater Wellington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wainuiomata Regional Park?
At 10 Whitcher Grove, Wainuiomata, east of Lower Hutt. Access is via Moores Valley Road or Hine Road.
What is the easiest walk?
The Gums Loop Track, approximately 2.8 km and one hour return, gentle and well-marked through eucalyptus plantings.
Can I swim in the river?
Yes, the Wainuiomata River has popular swimming holes accessible from the lower tracks, shown on the park map.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on lead on Gums Loop, Sledge Track, Lower Dam Walk and Tana Umanga Track, with temporary restrictions on other tracks after pest control operations.
What facilities are available?
Toilets at the ranger’s office and a water history museum open daily 9am–5pm near the lower dam.
Is there a track to Days Bay?
Yes, the Main Ridge Track starts from the Wainuiomata Hill lookout area and reaches Days Bay in East Harbour Regional Park, taking about 2–2.5 hours.
Are there longer walks?
Yes, options such as the Rātā Ridge Circuit and connections into Remutaka Forest Park via the Whakanui Track are available from nearby entrances.
When are vehicle gates open?
Vehicle gates operate 6am–6pm in winter and 6am–8pm during daylight saving; the park is always open to walkers.
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