Lying just north-east of the creative hotspot that is Pōneke Wellington, the Hutt Valley tends to keep a low profile.
Dig a little deeper though, and you’ll find that this is one of the most underrated regions in the lower North Island.
Between the two of them, the cities that make up the region, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, provide plenty of things to do, see, eat, and explore. Don’t ever conflate the two though - the cities enjoy an amicable, yet very real rivalry, and only by spending time in both can you appreciate the nuanced character of each.
The Hutt Valley has something for everyone, no matter where your interests lie, from some of the country’s top arts centres; an impressive range of restaurants, cafes and other eateries; and heaps of entertainment options for the whole family. There’s also plenty of nature to explore, as the Hutt is home to some of the North Island’s biggest and best natural playgrounds. With easy access to and from Wellington, including public transport options, getting to and exploring the various corners of the Hutt Valley is a breeze.
Welcome to the valley.
10 Trails in the Hutt Valley and Where to Treat Yourself After
Ellen G
Step into a world where colour and joy sing together in harmony at Ellen G, the vibrant, vivacious hub of artist and designer Ellen Giggenbach.
Street Eats
Self-described as a “funky ethnic” spot, Street Eats is a vibrant culinary haven that brings the zest of Indian and Asian street food to Upper Hutt’s...
Liberty Books
Sitting discreetly on Upper Hutt’s unassuming Main Street, Liberty Books has snuggled into its own little nook since relocating from Christchurch after the 2012...
Janus Bakkerij
A darling of the Lower Hutt cafe scene, Janus Bakkerij is a place where tradition meets innovation, where old-school Dutch baking is married with modern, artisanal flair.
An Nyeong Ha Se Yo Korean Food Takeaway
New to Korean food? Come and say An Nyeong Ha Se Yo - or ‘hello’ - to this small but mighty outfit that’s quickly built a reputation for pumping out...
Royal Punjabi Sweets and Bake House
You’re not a real sweet tooth until you’ve tried the underrated delights that are authentic Indian sweets.
Caffiend
On a prominent brick-clad corner of historic Jackson Street lies Caffiend, a beloved neighbourhood coffee spot that’s been serving loyal Petone locals since 2003.
Avisons
An eye-catching green oasis in the heart of Upper Hutt’s Main Street, Avisons invites you into its relaxed, nature-inspired space to get lost in a world of quality...
Lucky's Tattoo Museum
An indelible part of Wellingtonian culture, tattoos can be seen emblazoned on countless arms and legs across the city, each with its own unique story to tell.
Yan’s Supermarket
A true Hutt institution, Yan’s Supermarket sits proudly at the heart of the Lower Hutt city centre, well cognisant of its place in the region’s culinary fabric.
The Cove
With the stunning Days Bay coastline right on its doorstep, The Cove is a fashion and homewares store in Lower Hutt that embodies the best of New Zealand: unparalleled...
Cre8iveworx Petone
Having grown from a converted garage on Oriental Parade to a household name in New Zealand, Cre8iveworx’s empire has spread to Petone - a welcome development for...
48 Hours Hutt Valley
Just across the harbour from Wellington city lies the Hutt Valley, an underrated and outdoorsy destination offering popular eateries and a happening cultural scene.
Spending 48 hours in the Hutt Valley has never been so easy (in fact, you’ll likely be pressed for time!) as the sister cities of Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt continue to grow and offer an abundance of things to do.
There are picturesque parks and walking trails, bountiful shopping, arts scenes and an array of culinary delights; this guide is designed to help you make the most of two days spent immersed in this vibrant community.
Petals
Some places just have that effortless charm about them and Petals in Eastbourne, Lower Hutt is one of them.
Rawson Brothers
A true gem of the Hutt Valley, Rawson Brothers is an exceptional jewellery store and workshop that brings the expertise and class of Hatton Garden to Upper Hutt.
Han River
Hailed by many as perhaps the best Korean restaurant in the Wellington region, Han River is certainly worth the trip to the Hutt Valley.
Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown
Gear Street Union
A riotous hub of colour, outrageous eats, and good times, Gear Street Union has quickly forged a reputation as a go-to social spot for Petone locals and visitors alike.
Light House Cinema
Housed in a charming, beautifully symmetrical building steeped in history, Light House Cinema in Petone is a blast from the past just a short stroll from the beach.
Mayfair Cafe
A pair of unassuming red doors on Upper Hutt’s Main Street invites you into Mayfair Cafe, a charming little outfit where history and modern hospitality collide.
Bellbird Eatery
Bringing its own flair to a famed building with its relaxed glam feel, Bellbird Eatery is a fine example of a museum cafe in the Hutt.
La Bella Italia
Discover Lower Hutt's very own Little Italy down an unassuming side street in Petone.
Kilim Petone
A revered name in Wellington’s Turkish scene, Kilim is synonymous with quality, hearty kebabs done well, with its reputation extending far beyond the Hutt Valley.
Twenty Eight
Eager to explore new ideas, this cafe has thoughtfully crafted food and drink offerings that are both classic and slightly different, and always delicious.
Hive Café
A friendly, fresh and big cafe in Eastbourne that prides itself on being genuine, baking everything, every day, and having particularly kind staff.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga
Whether it’s dinosaurs or the Mona Lisa, this arts centre simply refuses to do boring.
Comes & Goes
This café offers a captivating fusion of Asian and Kiwi delights, an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.
Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters
This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.
Wanda Harland Design Store
A clothing, decor, homewares and jewellery store in the heart of Petone that balances fun and frivolity with sustainability.
How to Spend a Day in Petone, Lower Hutt
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Wellington Harbour, Pito-one, or Petone, is a suburb of Lower Hutt offering a well-blended happy mix of old-world charm and modern-day sophistication. Its seaside location adds to its natural allure and its historic main street exudes a charm that is often hard to come by in small towns — or, in this case, suburbs.
Jean's
An artisan bakery and coffee shop that adds plenty of life and character to Fergusson Drive.
Humble & Grand
A homewares store that exudes a certain charm, stocked with contemporary and classic goods from NZ and further afield.
Brewtown Entertainment
With such myriad activities it’s practically an indoor theme park, Brewtown is quietly but effectively growing a reputation as the region’s ultimate family-friendly destination.
Maidstone Max Adventure Playground
The playground that we all dreamed of when we were young: a castle fort, a double flying fox, a mountain biking track and more.
Hutt Valley Businesses Leading the Sustainable Way
Forage Merchants of Wellington
With a range that includes food and drink, health and beauty, art, music and so much more, Forage Merchants celebrates the very best of what the greater Wellington region has to offer.
Fig Tree Café
Go for a cuppa and delicious food inside this converted church, and stay for the welcoming service and friendly chats.
Goldie
Nestled in the seaside village of Eastbourne and online, Goldie is a beautiful home and lifestyle corner store (and paradise) for design lovers.
Brewtown Eat & Drink
A mecca for beer lovers and those who simply appreciate good food.
Viva Mexico
This is not the place to be ordering chili con carne or hard-shell tacos. At Viva Mexico, you'll be treated to a true taste of Mexico in the Hutt.
Kaitoke Regional Park
A lush sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Tararua mountains, Kaitoke Regional Park has an ethereal allure that captivates visitors new and old.
Dough Upper Hutt
Come for the art, stay for the coffee and doughnuts at Dough Bakery in Upper Hutt – conveniently located in one of the town's most popular cultural haunts.
Abandoned Taproom Petone
A real community hub where anyone can bring their dogs and kids, chill out, and have a yarn without feeling like they have to be a craft beer nerd.
Cake & Kitchen
A home away from home, this Upper Hutt cafe plays an important role in the community and leads by example when it comes to sustainability.
Schrödinger's Books
The winner of NZ's Best Bookshop award in 2021, Schrödinger's Books will hold any bookworm captive with its well-curated selection housed in a beautifully restored space in Petone.
Seashore Cabaret
This café definitely takes the title for best view of the city, and doesn't do anything by halves.
Baylands Brewery
From a garage under a house to this spacious, modern taproom, Baylands is paving an exciting beer journey.
Lower Hutt
For a smallish city - often seen by many as an extension of Wellington - Lower Hutt certainly packs a lot of punch.
Only a short drive from the Wellington CBD and hosting an incredible range of things to see and do, it’s no wonder Lower Hutt is a popular day trip or weekend option for families around the region. Each suburb in the city brings a unique flavour to the overall Lower Hutt experience, from the arts and culture of central Lower Hutt; to the brunch, beach, and shopping hotspot of Petone; and the industrial yet welcoming embrace of Seaview. Like the Hutt River that weaves its way through the heart of the city, a sense of creativity and community is the common thread, linking the disparate locations together.
With some of the region’s trendiest cafes and plenty of cultural highlights to explore, it’s never a dull day in Lower Hutt.
Cars Inc.
A family-owned passion project cafe and car museum, with over 60 cars of special interest.
Keihei Chicken
Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this corner of Upper Hutt.
Miss Fortune's
The industrial precinct isn’t exactly where you’d think to head for a slice of quintessential Wellington hospitality, but at Miss Fortune’s, you’ll find one of the region’s most charismatic little brunch spots.
Percy Scenic Reserve
A private family garden in the late 1800s, Percy Scenic Reserve is now one of Lower Hutt's most cherished public spaces to take in serene vistas, explore historic plant collections and picnic by the duck pond.
Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt can perhaps be best described as a harmonious juxtaposition. While much of it can have a gritty, industrial feel, largely due to its history, it’s also a real breath of fresh air and home to some of the best natural places to explore in the country. The city has embraced both of these qualities over the years to turn itself into an immensely popular place to visit.
From the sprawling Kaitoke Regional Park, with its swimming holes, walking tracks, and its own little slice of Middle Earth, to the ever-popular Staglands Wildlife Reserve, there are plenty of spots to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Venture towards the heart of the city centre and you’ll encounter Brewtown, a beer craft connoisseur and foodie’s paradise that also doubles as an entertainment hub.
Sprinkled elsewhere throughout the city you’ll find art galleries, cosy cafes, and all manner of eateries from chicken shops to sandwich bars to keep you nourished.
Staglands
A serene wildlife reserve, home to a range of native and endangered New Zealand species, from kunekune pigs to keas.
Take Me Back Traders
Take a trip down memory lane at this family-run vintage and retro store, with one-off treasures, unique collectables, furniture and homeware.
The Dutch Shop
The Dutch Shop is a perennial favourite among Petone locals and visitors alike - particularly those with a penchant for cheese.
Trade School Kitchen
This not-for-profit cafe provides a space of belonging and offers training opportunities for people facing employment barriers.
Gerry's Charcoal Chicken
A revered Upper Hutt institution that has been serving delicious spit-roasted chicken to the community for decades.
House of Good Fortune
Petone’s myriad side streets hold plenty of delightful surprises, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just stumble upon House of Good Fortune.
Tartines French Cafe
A small slice of French culinary delight with handmade tarts, pastries, fresh bread and classic dishes that will have you mistaking Lower Hutt for Lyon.
Tricky's Sandwich Co.
It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – Tricky’s Sandwich Co. is a family-run sandwich joint that has made it their business to be unbeatable.
The Dowse
With more than 3,500 items in their collection, The Dowse breaks free from the norms of the day with their focus on contemporary art and New Zealand studio craft.
