Exploring the Wainuiomata Recreation Area [W #5]

Hey there Deep Divers! Come along and join us on this awesome nature walk!

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Where do we meet and at what time?
A: Address details and driving instructions can be found at this link:

https://www.gw.govt.nz/wainuiomatarecreationarea/

Essentially you need to go to 10 Whitcher Grove, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5373 (please see the Google Maps pin).

We'll head off on the walk starting at 10:30 a.m.

What paths are we doing?
A: Pretty much all of them.

http://www.gw.govt.nz/walking-running-and-tramping-8/

We'll be starting counter-clockwise along the Gums Loop Track, go back and out on the Nikau Creek Track, followed by the Tana Umaga and Sledge tracks. We'll finish on flat ground by doing the Lower Dam Walk, and end up back where we started. See this map to understand what I'm talking about:

http://www.gw.govt.nz/assets/Parks-and-Recreation/Wainuiomata-Recreation-Area/Wainuiomata-Recreation-Area-2013.pdf

Along the way we'll see remnants of an old logging tramway as well as two old campsites from the early days of dam construction. The total approximate length as best as I can reckon it is 11 km.

What do I need to bring?
A: Just the usual stuff. Waterproof clothing such as a jacket that can keep you dry in the rain; decent, closed walking shoes or gum boots; plenty of water and sunscreen; etc.

Please bring lunch and snacks too as we will be eating in the picnic area at the base of the dam.

Are there any Covid-19 precautions I need to know about?
A: Yes, from the Greater Wellington Regional Council they are as follows:

"At Alert Level 2, we need to play it safe. Park trails are very busy at present, be aware of other walkers and bikers.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Keep a 2m distance from people you don’t know
The ranger’s office will remain closed at level 2
When using public facilities please wear a mask
The museum will remain closed at level 2
Wash your hands regularly
Stay home if you are unwell"

Why else should I come/tell me a bit more?
A: "The Wainuiomata Recreation Area lies at the foot of one of the largest and most pristine lowland forests in the lower North Island.

Maori used the hills and valleys to travel between the Wairarapa and Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington Harbour). Later some of the lower valley (including what is now the Recreation Area) was logged for timber and is now regenerating. Higher up the lush native forests and clear water of the Wainuiomata and Orongorongo Rivers are a source of drinking water.
In the 1880s an earth dam and pipeline first harnessed this resource for the people of Wellington.

Today the rivers provide around 15% of the Wellington region's drinking water. Greater Wellington Regional Council ensures quality water by protecting the forest environment and maintaining high standards at the treatment plant, further up the valley from the Recreation Area."

TL;DR: We'll get to see one of the sources of Wellington's drinking water :) There are also kiwi in the area, though we're unlikely to see them during the day.

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As always, these sorts of outdoor events are subject to the weather cooperating with us. We'll let people know by 8:00 a.m. on the day whether the walk can go ahead or not. A level change to 3 or higher will also mean the walk is cancelled.
If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below!