“Pekuratahi? Pakaratahi?” someone once cried out into the digital void. That someone was trying to find this place, the Pākuratahi River. It is a place that etches itself into memories.
The Pākuratahi River flows northwest. It starts in the Remutaka Range. This is about 15 kilometers east of Lower Hutt. The river joins the Te Awa Kairangi or Hutt River near Kaitoke. The Pākuratahi River is 24 kilometers long. That is 15 miles.
The river’s official name was gazetted in December 2019. Before then it was known as the Pakuratahi River. The change reflects its true Māori heritage.
The Pākuratahi River has a rich history. Māori used it as part of a trail. This trail linked Wellington Harbour and the Wairarapa. It crossed the Remutaka Range. Imagine those early travelers. They navigated this river and surrounding lands.
Today, the Pākuratahi River is a popular spot. You can access it from Eastern Hutt Road. Alternatively, you can use the Hutt River Trail. It is a great place for a picnic.
Many come to swim here. Water quality is monitored weekly during summer. This monitoring checks for faecal indicator bacteria. These bacteria indicate pathogen levels. It is generally safe to swim in dry weather. Heavy rain can cause contamination from run-off. It is best to avoid swimming for two days after heavy rain.
The river flows strongly here. Upstream are deep green pools of the Hutt River. Downstream is the convergence. Here, the Pākuratahi River meets the Hutt River.
The Kaitoke waterworks scheme began in the 1930s. Wellington City needed more water. Population growth and new housing increased demand. The scheme got approval in the 40s. World War II delayed progress. There were shortages of manpower. The Korean War threatened steel supplies. The scheme required 10000 tonnes of steel. This was for 54km of main pipeline. There were also 12km of branch lines. The Kaitoke scheme finally finished in 1957. It quenched Wellington’s thirst for fifteen years.
Remember to check for toxic algae before swimming. Toxic algae can form mats on rocks. These mats range from blackish-brown to dark green. They may wash up on the river’s edge. Dried algae turns light brown or white. It looks like dried leaves. It also has a strong musty smell. This can be dangerous to dogs.
If you see these signs, contact your vet. Signs of poisoning include lethargy and muscle tremors. Fast breathing, twitching, paralysis, and convulsions are other symptoms.
The Pākuratahi River is more than just a waterway. It is a place of history. It is a place of recreation. It is a place to connect with nature. Always respect its power. Stay informed about its conditions. Enjoy its beauty.