Land was balloted for European settlement in this valley from 1904, long before any roads were constructed.
In the early years due to the poor state of the roads railway was seen by many as a better option. As early as 1909 it was suggested there be a railway line thru the valley. The Mokau-Waitewhena Railway League was formed to support this idea and made several trips to Wellington to meet with crown ministers.
In November 2011 Sir Joseph Ward the Prime Minister on a visit to Ohura stated that a branch line from Ohura thru the Waitewhena to Aria and PioPio would have to be constructed. This never eventuated – government priorities elsewhere.
The first car to progress along the length of the Waitewhena Road was in November 1912 as part of a road trip between Wellington and Auckland. In parts the Model T ford was assisted by the pioneer farmers clearing slips with spades and shovels, lifting the car over some obstacles, and using horses connected to a block and tackle to pull the car thru some of the mud holes big enough to engulf the car. Even after this historic journey the early settlers continued on horseback or used sledges to pack their cream to the factory.
Drive carefully as the road is still narrow in parts; other road users include stock trucks, timber trucks, local traffic, farm animals and wild goats. There may slips, subsidence, pot holes and the Cache owner has been trapped by flood waters several times. Park carefully to allow other road users to pass by.
If travelling from the Ohura end the GC is approx 17.5kms up the Waitewhena Road, all gravel.
If travelling south from Aria it is approx 26kms of which 18kms is gravel.
If you have a connection to the valley the co would like to hear from you.