There are few examples of “ruins” around NZ, so it’s interesting to see one for the first time. The Ian Wells Track in the Waitākere Ranges goes to a disused dam once part of the Auckland water supply. Seeing a dam without a lake in the forest is odd, but this one also has particularly colourful graffiti.
The track follows an old access road to the dam, with forest regrowth to either side. It then drops down to the northwest side of the concrete dam. There is a large grassed area that would have once been the reservoir. The stream runs through what were the dam's gates. Look closely for a glimpse of the graffiti.
As you walk back past the dam on the track, you should be able to spot an informal path to the left. This drops down to the southeast side. There is a lagoon (somewhat murky looking), and you can get into the back of the dam. Here, the graffiti is much more extensive. It's amazing that someone bothered to bring so many spray cans into the middle of nowhere!
It is about a 30-minute walk plus time for exploring. The track access has room for a couple of cars. It is about 300 metres west of the larger car park and access to the Upper Nihotuou Reservoir walk on Piha Road.
