The Onamalutu Scenic Reserve is nestled in the Onamalutu Valley, a 30-minute drive from Blenheim. This reserve has a beautiful DOC campsite and a grassy reserve adjacent to a remnant podocarp forest, which includes notable ancient kahikatea and totara trees. Big native podocarp trees are rare in the area due to extensive deforestation as European settlers transformed the valleys of the Richmond Range to farmland in the 1800s.
The name, Onamalutu, is odd, sounding vaguely Hawaiian Polynesian, but it is a simple mispronunciation and spelling of Ōhinemahuta, the name of the river that runs through the valley. The reserve came about in 1901 when a local sawmiller donated the surviving stand of ancient forest and the surrounding cleared land for public recreation.
Several short tracks meander through the forest, offering a tranquil experience in nature. The spacious grassy area provides plenty of room for campers and pickup sports. The Ōhinemahuta River flows through the reserve, adding to its scenic beauty, and is accessible via a short walk through the forest. Although it was fine when we visited, the river is known for sandflies, so be prepared.
For a more adventurous experience, the Wakamarina Track allows hikers to trace the route of old gold miners, connecting the Wairau Valley to the Wakamarina Valley. The track begins 8 km west of the Onamalutu Reserve on gravel Kiwi Road, which is an extension of Onamalutu Road.
To reach the Onamalutu Scenic Reserve, turn off State Highway 6 west of Blenheim onto Northbank Road, just over the Wairau River bridge. Continue for approximately 6 km, then turn right onto Onamalutu Road and follow it for another 7 km to the campsite.
