Free guided walking tours

Walking Tour dates to be confirmed in October 2017

The Wainuiomata Water Collection Area is one of the Wellington region's secret places - a piece of land not usually open to the public. Bookings are currently closed for free guided walks into the catchment. Join us for a rare chance to explore lush native forests and crystal clear rivers. The water tours are guided by Greater Wellington Regional Council's Park Rangers and approved interpreters through our Volunteer Interpreter Programme.

Water Walks

Join our informative and entertaining guides to find out how we harvest the crystal clear river water and transport it to our Wellington communities. During the four hour walk (approximately) we cover the Orongorongo pipeline tunnel, historic Morton Dam and stroll through lush native forest.

Bookings are essential for these tours. To register, contact Karen.broughan@gw.govt.nz or phone 04 830 4406.

Walking tour dates

• Next tour dates will resume in November 2017.

Old Forest Walk

Immerse yourself in one of the most significant lowland podocarp forests in the lower North Island. Visit Rata and rimu up to 1,000 years old and Mainland Island – a special place set aside for native flora and fauna

Bookings are essential for these tours. To register, contact Karen.broughan@gw.govt.nz or phone 04 830 4406.

Walking tour dates

• To be confirmed when the Great Outdoors Summer Event Programme is released early December 2017.

What to bring

Weather conditions can change quickly in the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area. Please bring:

• Warm clothes including a waterproof jacket, beanie and gloves
• Sunscreen and sunhat
• Solid walking shoes
• Water and a picnic lunch and/or snacks

How to get there

Follow the main road through Wainuiomata and turn left at the roundabout into Moores Valley Road. Take the first turn right into Whitcher Grove and follow this to the Recreation Area carpark.

Become a walking tour guide

Volunteers are important to our work within the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area. They have vast knowledge and understanding of the area and environment to share with the community. We invite skilled guides to apply for the Volunteer Interpreter Programme. Join the team and help protect one of the Wellington region’s finest natural assets.