The 8900-hectare Hutt Water Collection Area takes in the headwaters of the Hutt River at the southern end of the Tararua Range. Half the water supply for the Wellington urban area comes from this catchment, drawn at the Kaitoke weir.

The catchment is of high scientific and ecological value. There are extensive areas of unmodified silver beech, red beech, and valley floor podocarp forest, alpine tussock lands, alpine wet turf and sub-alpine sphagnum bog. It is one of the few areas in the region containing southern rata, a species endangered by possum browsing. The forest is home to a great variety of indigenous forest birds, including the rare kaka, kakariki and NZ falcon (karearea).

Greater Wellington manages the Hutt Water Collection Area carefully, controlling possums and other animal pests to protect the rich variety of plant, fish, insect and bird species that make up the forest ecosystem. We use vegetation plots, exclosure areas and animal abundance plots to monitor vegetation response and animal numbers in the area. Photo points provide a record of vegetation changes at specific sites.

There are few or no facilities in this remote area. It is rugged, mountainous terrain broken by many streams and narrow, steep-sided ridges. The hilltops are extremely exposed to the north-west and the south with a reputation for high winds, fog and sudden weather changes. Rivers and streams can rise very rapidly in heavy rain.

Only experienced back country users should enter the area as there are few formed tracks or marked routes. For your safety and to prevent unnecessary searches please:

• Take a topographic map (NZMS 260 Sheet S26) and compass.
• Be prepared for sudden weather changes and for strong winds on the hill-tops. Always carry enough warm clothes and rainwear for cold conditions.
• Check weather forecasts on Metservice before leaving and take ample high energy food for your trip.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded streams. Be prepared to wait if conditions become dangerous.
• Let someone know your intended route, party size and return time. Always contact this person on your return.

To preserve the forest and protect our water supply from contamination and infectious diseases, please do not enter the catchment if you have had diarrhoea in the past two weeks.

• Keep out of the area between Hutt Forks and the Kaitoke weir.
• Keep rivers and streams clean. Bury toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from watercourses.
• Light no fires. Take care with portable stoves, matches and cigarettes.
• Remove rubbish. Carry out what you carry in.
• Hunting is by permit only in the Water Collection Area. Contact GW's Upper Hutt office , to obtain a 6 month hunting permit.
• Foot access only. No motor vehicles, trail bikes or mountain bikes are allowed in the Water Collection Area.
• No camping . Complete your trip into or through the catchment in one day.
• Do not damage or remove plants. Do not disturb vegetation research plots and markers.

Park in a Kaitoke Regional Park (Pakuratahi entrance) car park and follow the track west from the ranger's office. Cross the stile by the locked gate. The Kaitoke Regional Park gates are open from 8:00am until dusk.

You can also enter the Hutt Water Collection Area from tracks in the Tararua Forest Park.

For more information, please contact the Kaitoke Regional Park ranger.