Te Puna Wai Ora Petone, Petone, Hutt Valley, New Zealand

## Overview Te Puna Wai Ora — meaning "Spring of Life" — is a beloved public artesian water source located in the heart of Petone, in New Zealand's Hutt Valley. For generations, this natural spring has been a source of pride for local residents and a destination for visitors from across the Wellington region who travel considerable distances to collect its water. The artesian water originates from the Hutt River, which feeds into a secure underground aquifer at Taita Gorge. Layers of sand, boulders, silt, and clay form a natural containment system, and the water is slowly filtered through the Hutt Valley's alluvial sands and gravels over many years before reaching the Petone foreshore area. Historically, this water leaked naturally into Wellington Harbour's seafloor. While the wider region is now supplied with treated artesian water, Te Puna Wai Ora provides access to untreated artesian water directly from dedicated taps. According to Hutt City Council, the pure artesian water from this source has been naturally filtered throughout its journey through the aquifer and has historically been consumed in its natural form. The council has noted that the water does not contain microorganisms or other organic substances, and it is highly valued by consumers throughout the region. That said, water quality can vary over time, and visitors should be aware that untreated water always carries some degree of risk. The spring is open **24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year**, making it accessible at any time for those looking to fill up bottles or simply enjoy a refreshing drink. ## Directions 1. Head to **Petone**, a suburb in Lower Hutt, in the Hutt Valley of the greater Wellington region. 2. Navigate to the intersection of **Jackson Street** and **Buick Street** in central Petone. 3. Te Puna Wai Ora is located at the **corner of Jackson Street and Buick Street**. 4. The taps are publicly accessible right at this corner — look for the dedicated artesian water taps. **GPS Coordinates:** -41.226395, 174.881836 ## What to Expect Te Puna Wai Ora is a well-known and well-used community water point situated in a convenient urban location in Petone. The spring features dedicated taps where visitors can fill containers with untreated artesian water. It's common to see locals and visitors alike arriving with large bottles and jugs, especially on weekends. The surrounding area along Jackson Street is Petone's main shopping and café strip, so a visit to the spring pairs well with exploring the neighbourhood's eclectic mix of vintage shops, eateries, and boutiques. The Petone foreshore and waterfront are also just a short walk away, offering views across Wellington Harbour. Because the spring is accessible around the clock, early mornings and evenings tend to be quieter times to visit if you'd prefer to avoid any wait. Bring your own bottles or containers — there is no limit on collection, though courtesy to other visitors is always appreciated. The water has been reported to taste exceptionally clean and fresh, with many long-time collectors describing it as noticeably different from treated municipal water. Its reputation has made Te Puna Wai Ora one of the most popular natural water collection points in the greater Wellington area.