Korokoro Dam & Belmont Trig

A feature of New Zealand’s early european history is the large number of severely damaging fires that broke out from time to time in early New Zealand towns. These fires would destroy whole blocks of wooden buildings because they were built close together. Early timber buildings in Petone suffered this fate even though an artesian water supply was available. Although the ratepayers were initially reluctant to endorse the funding of a dam, they were eventually persuaded to do so to get a water supply of sufficient pressure and volume.

The waters of the Korokoro stream were already in use by the Petone Woollen Mills when the Petone Borough proposed to utilise the stream for a water supply. The mill had a totara timber dam on the lower reaches to drive a turbine at the mill.

Alexander Turnbull Library – A.P. Godber collection
The laying of the foundation stone of the Korokoro dam was an important event for the Petone Borough Council. The stone can still be seen in the wall of the spillway at the dam. Samuel Jickell, the engineer for the dam, is standing at the rear on the left.

There are several access points to this track.  Oakleigh Street and Stratton Street require a bit of up hill walking on the return trip but there are toilets available at the car parks.

Cornish Street, Petone, just off SH2 is another good entrance spot and has the flattest walking through the entire Korokoro Gorge but there aren't any toilet facilities at this entrance.

All entrances require about 4 hours return to Belmont Trig (457m).
Oakleigh Street is about 1 hour return to Korokoro Dam.
Cornish Street is about 3 hours return to Korokoro Dam.

For maps and further information, talk to the team at an i-SITE Visitor Centre or you could also get more information from the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

If you like this walk you could try the Hutt City Tracks & Trails. Read the descriptions and view the brochure.