Wainuiomata Regional Park, at 10 Whitcher Grove in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, is the gateway to the largest and most pristine lowland forests in the lower North Island. The recreation area is open all year for walks through native bush and along waterways, and it has popular swimming holes along the Wainuiomata River. Vehicle gates open from 6am to 6pm in winter, and from 6am to 8pm during daylight saving. Beside the recreation area is the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area, a specially protected area that can only be reached on a guided walk.
The tracks include the Lower Dam Walk, 1 hour 20 minutes return, to one of New Zealand's oldest dams, with a water history museum on the way. Gums Loop takes an hour return through gum trees, Nikau Creek Track takes an hour return, Sledge Track takes 1.5 hours return with views over the Wainuiomata Valley, and Tana Umaga Track takes two hours return. Mountain bikes and heavy vehicles share the road on the Lower Dam Walk. Dogs on leads are welcome on Gums Loop, Sledge Track, Lower Dam Walk and Tana Umaga Track. We hear that dogs are not allowed on Nikau Track for six months after an aerial pest-control operation on Friday 15 August.