Wainuiomata Regional Park

The recreation area is open all year round for walks amongst pristine native bush and waterways.

Beside the recreation area is the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area, a specially protected area that is only accessible through a guided walk. 

Wainuiomata Regional Park brochure

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date_range Published 20 Dec 2021

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Wainuiomata/Ōrongorongo 1080 operation – August 2025

On Friday 15 August, Greater Wellington and Wellington Water completed an aerial application of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) in the Wainuiomata Regional Park and the Wainuiomata/Ōrongorongo Water Collection Area. 

For 6 months, dogs are not permitted on the Nikau Track. 

Dogs on leads are still welcome on Gums Loop, Sledge Track, Lower Dam Walk and Tana Umanga Track.

Wainuiomata Regional Park dog rules

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date_range Published 03 Nov 2022

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There are popular swimming holes along the Wainuiomata River. Locations are shown on the park map.

Wainuiomata Regional Park brochure

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date_range Published 20 Dec 2021

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Professional ground and aerial ungulate control is undertaken in this area on a regular basis for protecting the biodiversity values of the ecosystem.

Recreational Hunting – Wainuiomata and Orongorongo Water Collection Areas

There is an annual ballot to win one of forty, two-day hunting periods for the Wainuiomata blocks in April each year. Each period is Saturday and Sunday. The application for hunting ballots is now open for 2026, and will close on Friday 6 March.

Apply for a ballot now

Conditions

Both hunter and hunting partner must have a current New Zealand Firearm Licence

No loaded firearms are to be carried on any access track outside the permit area. No hunting is to take place within 200 metres of any tracks or the catchment boundaries marked on the permit maps.

Only centre fire rifles of calibre .222 Remington or larger may be used for hunting, or crossbows and bows with a minimum drawing factor of 18kg (40lb). Shotguns, air rifles and rimfire rifles are prohibited.

Hunting will be permitted between 5am and 8pm.  No shooting in the hours of darkness. No overnighting is permitted.

Light NO fires

No dogs permitted

All rubbish must be removed from Greater Wellington Regional Council land by the permit holder. No gutting of carcasses near streams. Prepare the animal for removal as far away from streams as possible.

Important update: Ungulate control programme 2026

From early 2026, professional contract hunters will begin ungulate control work in the Wainuiomata/Ōrongorongo Water Collection Area (WCA). To complete 12 months of planned control within a condensed five month window (due to delays in last year’s 1080 operation), contractors will need to operate continuously during weekdays, including the last two weeks of March, and throughout April. As a result, this year’s ballot hunting blocks will be available on weekends only.
 
The professional control work is a core part of the Wainuiomata Ōrongorongo Water Collection Area Zero Ungulate Programme (WOWCAZUP), a 10 year project to remove feral deer, pigs, and goats from the WCA and complete ungulate proof fencing to keep them out permanently.
 
Given the long term intention of this project to remove all ungulates from the catchment, there is a possibility that the ballot may be discontinued in future years. Greater Wellington is exploring alternative options for public access should this occur.
 
The WCA is one of the Wellington region’s most important drinking water catchments and contains a rare remnant of lowland native rainforest. Greater Wellington manages this forest to protect both its biodiversity and the quality of our water supply.
 
Feral ungulates threaten the forest by stripping the understory, leaving large areas of bare ground with little food for native wildlife and less vegetation to slow storm runoff. They also carry water borne diseases that can affect human health.
 
This programme will help the forest recover to its natural state, restoring a healthy understory - including species absent for up to 200 years - supporting native wildlife, and improving water quality for the region.

Wainuiomata-Ōrongorongo WCA Forest Restoration Project

The Wainuiomata-Ōrongorongo Water Collection Area (WCA) is one of the region’s main water supply catchments. It includes a special area of lowland native rainforest. Greater Wellington manages the forest to… Read more here

date_range Published 16 Feb 2026

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Why is the council aiming to eradicate ungulates rather than simply control their numbers?

The forest understory in the Wainuiomata/Ōrongorongo Water Collection Area (WCA) has been heavily depleted. Even a small number of ungulates can prevent regeneration. To allow the forest to recover and return to a healthy, functioning state, all feral ungulates need to be removed. Eradication (not ongoing control) is the only way to achieve this long term recovery.

Why can’t private hunters be used for this work?

Greater Wellington has strict health and safety responsibilities and must ensure that anyone undertaking work on its behalf meets those requirements. Professional hunters are trained to these standards and use highly skilled indicator dogs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the dates and how many blocks are available?

There are ten Wainuiomata/Orongorongo blocks which are open for the following dates:

• 4 - 5 April
• 11 - 12 April
• 18 - 19 April
• 25 - 26 April

Where are the blocks in the parks?

Download the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo hunting ballot blocks map:

Wainuiomata / Orongorongo Hunting Ballot Blocks

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date_range Published 26 Jan 2023

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Is there a cost?

No cost.

Does my nominated partner need a firearms licence?

As the block holder you are responsible to ensure that both the Firearms Acts and the Terms and Conditions you accepted to receive the hunting block are obeyed by you and your partner at all times.

What if I win a block and my nominated hunting partner can’t make that date or pulls out, can I bring someone else?

You can change your nominated partner before you receive your permit. After it has been received, changes cannot be made. Please email parks@gw.govt.nz if you wish to change your hunting partner.

Do I need a 4WD?

Blocks 1-5 only require a 2WD.

Blocks 6-10 require a 4WD.

Will other people be present in my hunting block?

No, each block is dedicated to you for the dates specified on your permit.

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So much of the work done in the regional parks wouldn't be possible without the help of people in our communities. If you want to contribute to the care of Wainuiomata Regional Park, you can join one of our community groups.

Volunteering in our parks

Volunteer guides of the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area

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Early history

Māori 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. Remnants of the old logging tramway remain, as do two old camp sites from the earlier dam construction days.

Water supply dams and museum

The lush native forests and clear water of the Wainuiomata and Orongorongo Rivers provide a source of drinking water for the Wellington region. The Wainuiomata River has been a source of Wellington's drinking water since 1884 when the Lower Dam and pipeline were built. The larger concrete dam, named the Morton Dam, was completed in 1911. 

As the population of Wellington and surrounding boroughs continued to grow and three dry years followed from 1915-17, the council were advised to advised to develop the Orongorongo Valley as its next water source. A weir and pipeline from Orongorongo River were constructed in 1926 and a simple water treatment plant was built in 1963. 

By 1988 the Morton Dam was decommissioned in response to concerns about its ability to withstand a major earthquake or flood. The reservoir was drained and the dam breached at its western end to allow passage of water from the Wainuiomata River and George Creek to retain water supplies from those sources. 

In the late 1980s the system had reached the end of its useful working life. Morton Dam was decommissioned and emptied of its water.  

In 1993 a new state-of-the-art treatment plant was built. Water is now taken directly from weirs in both the Wainuiomata and Orongorongo catchments. The new plant produces up to 60 million litres of high-quality water per day and supplies about 15 percent of the water used by the greater Wellington region. 

The Wainuiomata Water Collection Area is a specially protected area that is only accessible through a guided walk.  

In 2018 a water history museum was opened in the lower dam area, near the ranger’s office. The museum is open daily from 9am – 5pm. You will be able to see the historic water catchment artefacts and learn about the history of the area. Make sure you make some time to have a look around. 

As of 2024, Morton Dam is up for consideration to be added to the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. 

Wainuiomata Tunnel history

Wainuiomata Tunnel History

Information on the history of the Wainuiomata Tunnel, which was commissioned in 1932 by the Wainuiomata Development Company in order to make travel between Wainuiomata and the Hutt Valley more… Read more here

date_range Published 01 Mar 2012

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