The Wainuiomata Recreation Area — also known as the Wainuiomata Waterworks Recreation Area — sits in the hills east of Lower Hutt and offers some of the most varied walking in the Wellington region, from a short loop around the old waterworks to full-day ridge traverses across to the coast. The Wainuiomata River runs through the valley floor, with a swingbridge and swimming holes accessible from the lower tracks. The area is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Practical Information
| Location | Wainuiomata, east of Lower Hutt |
| Access | Via Recreation Road, Wainuiomata |
| Cost | Free |
| Dogs | On lead |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
Key Tracks
Gum Loop Track is the most popular route in the area — a roughly 3km loop through the old eucalyptus plantings near the valley floor. It is a gentle, well-marked walk suitable for most fitness levels and is the easiest introduction to the recreation area.
Rata Ridge Track is a 13.5km loop that climbs from the valley into the surrounding ridges, taking around four to four and a half hours through native bush.
Main Ridge Track is a point-to-point walk from the Wainuiomata Lookout across to Days Bay on Wellington Harbour, taking about 2.5 hours through podocarp and beech forest. You will need transport at both ends.
Whakanui Track is the most demanding option — a 17km round trip into the Remutaka Forest Park taking around seven hours. This is a full-day walk requiring good fitness and appropriate gear.
River Swimming
The Wainuiomata River is accessible from the valley floor tracks, with a swingbridge and swimming holes that are popular in summer. The pools make a good destination on a warm day after an easy walk from the car park.
What Visitors Say
“The Gum Loop is a wonderful short walk — well-marked, through beautiful bush with the river nearby. A real gem so close to Lower Hutt.” — TripAdvisor
“The Main Ridge Track to Days Bay is one of the underrated walks in the region — great bush, good views, and finishing at the coast is a bonus.” — AllTrails
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington Regional Council — Wainuiomata Regional Park has the official park page with track maps, access and facilities.
AllTrails — Wainuiomata Waterworks Recreation Area has trail maps and visitor reviews for all tracks in the area.
Wainuiomata.net — Walks & Tracks has a local overview of the walking options in and around Wainuiomata.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wainuiomata Recreation Area?
In Wainuiomata, east of Lower Hutt. Access is via Recreation Road off the main Wainuiomata Road.
What is the easiest walk?
The Gum Loop Track — about 3km, gentle terrain, suitable for most fitness levels.
What is the Rata Ridge Track?
A 13.5km loop climbing into the ridges above the valley, taking about four to four and a half hours through native bush.
Can I swim in the river?
Yes — the Wainuiomata River has swimming holes accessible from the valley floor tracks, popular in summer.
How long does the Whakanui Track take?
About seven hours for the 17km round trip. It is a full-day walk requiring good fitness.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on lead.
Is there a track to Days Bay?
Yes — the Main Ridge Track is a point-to-point walk from the Wainuiomata Lookout to Days Bay on Wellington Harbour, taking about 2.5 hours.
Is the area connected to Remutaka Forest Park?
Yes — the Whakanui Track heads into Remutaka Forest Park from the recreation area.
The Wellington Walking Tracks hub lists all walking routes across the Wellington region. East Harbour Regional Park in nearby Eastbourne offers bush walks on the other side of the harbour hills. Belmont Regional Park Tracks in the hills west of Lower Hutt offer a similar range of short to full-day walks.