The colourful exterior of Miss Fortune's.

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

People biking on a trail in native bush.
Nestled within the lush, rolling landscapes that make up the lower North Island, the Hutt Valley offers an expansive network of interesting walks appealing to both seasoned hikers and casual strollers alike. Whether you’re after a leisurely meander or a more challenging multi-hour ‘slog’, the Hutt Valley trails offer a variety of native bush landscapes and panoramic vistas, meaning there really is something for everyone. Fortunately, the adventure doesn’t have to end with the last step of the walk; the Hutt Valley also offers a yummy selection of culinary spots to reward the tired explorer. Our guide below unveils ten of the best walks in the Hutt Valley and our suggestion of the perfect places to treat yourself afterwards.

The Cove

Interior shop view of The Cove.
Place Hutt Valley

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...

Petals

Exterior shop view of Petals.
Place Hutt Valley
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Some places just have that effortless charm about them and Petals in Eastbourne, Lower Hutt is one of them.

Cre8iveworx Petone

Wider interior shop view of Cre8iveworx.
Place Hutt Valley

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...

Yan’s Supermarket

Shelves adorned with products at Yan's Supermarket.
Place Hutt Valley
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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.

Han River

Array of food on the table at Han River.
Place Hutt Valley
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Hailed by many as perhaps the best Korean restaurant in the Wellington region, Han River is certainly worth the trip to the Hutt Valley.

Light House Cinema

Exterior view of the 1920s building that houses Light House Cinema.
Place Hutt Valley
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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.

Gear Street Union

Pick up truck as part of the interior of Gear Street Union.
Place Hutt Valley
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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.

The Chocolate Story

Exterior shop view of The Chocolate Story.
Place Hutt Valley

Every shop has a story to tell.

Rawson Brothers

View of the workshop at jewellers at Rawson Brothers.
Place Hutt Valley

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.

Mayfair Cafe

Busy cafe dining space at Mayfair Cafe.
Place Hutt Valley
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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.

La Bella Italia

The exterior of La Bella Italia on a sunny day.
Place Hutt Valley
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Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.

Bellbird Eatery

Scrambled egg and mushrooms on toast.
Place Hutt Valley
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Museum and art gallery cafes have really upped their game in recent years, evolving from simple refreshment pit stops to become attractions in their own right.

48 Hours Hutt Valley

People dining at tables inside an Italian restaurant.

Just across the harbour from Wellington city lies the Hutt Valley, an underrated and outdoorsy destination offering popular eateries and a somewhat 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, and this guide is designed to help you make the most of two days spent immersed in this vibrant community.

 

Baylands Brewery

Interior of taproom at Baylands Brewery in Lower Hutt
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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From a garage under a house to this spacious, modern taproom, Baylands is paving an exciting beer journey.

Cars Inc.

A black car in front of a large fluorescent 'Cars' sign.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A family-owned passion project cafe and car museum, with over 60 cars of special interest.

Keihei Chicken

A plate of fried chickens and burgers.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this corner of Upper Hutt.

Miss Fortune's

Coffee machine and bags of coffee on a colourful counter in Miss Fortune's cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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.

Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown

People walking under a large 'Brewtown' stign.
Just a stone’s throw from Upper Hutt train station lies Brewtown, a 6,000 square metre entertainment and dining hub that effortlessly attracts families, parties, and thrill seekers from around Wellington and beyond.

Percy Scenic Reserve

Grassy picnic spot with benches and ducks wandering around in Percy Scenic Reserve
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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.

Gerry's Charcoal Chicken

A large counter at Gerry's in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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On a small side street in the sleepy suburb of Elderslea, you’ll find what appears to be an unassuming - if not slightly dated - takeaway shop.

Schrödinger's Books

Male worker behind the counter of an independent bookstore in Petone Lower Hutt
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt

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.

Staglands

Wildlife reserve with birds running around and a sign saying "Staglands"
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A serene wildlife reserve, home to a range of native and endangered New Zealand species, from kunekune pigs to keas.

Take Me Back Traders

Eclectic mix of ceramics and vintage prints on walls and shelves of vintage secondhand shop
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt

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

Someone slicing a wheel of Dutch cheese in specialty food store
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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The Dutch Shop is a perennial favourite among Petone locals and visitors alike - particularly those with a penchant for cheese.

Trade School Kitchen

Barista pouring milk into freshly made coffee at cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This not-for-profit cafe provides a space of belonging and offers training opportunities for people facing employment barriers.

Wanda Harland Design Store

Colourful clothes and candles displayed inside Wanda Harland in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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Balancing fun and frivolity with being kind to our planet, Wanda Harland is a store in Petone that sells a range of sustainable home goods designed to last the distance.

Twenty Eight

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Eager to explore new ideas, this cafe has thoughtfully crafted food and drink offerings that are both classic and slightly different, and always delicious.

Viva Mexico

Interior of Mexican restaurant with exposed brick walls, Mexican skull mosaics and Day of the Dead decor
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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.

Whirinaki Whare Taonga

The large imposing exterior of Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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Whether it’s dinosaurs or the Mona Lisa, this arts centre simply refuses to do boring.

Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters

Waiter putting coffee and muffin down on cafe table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.

How to Spend a Day in Petone, Lower Hutt

Old buildings lined up in a row on a street.

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

The blue and gold outside of Jean's in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jean's, you can find plenty of life and...

The Dowse

The white exterior of The Dowse Museum in Lower Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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Renowned for its creative spirit, the Wellington region is home to an enviable array of world-class art galleries and museums.

Humble & Grand

Homewares on display on shelves at a retail store in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley

A homewares store that exudes a certain charm, stocked with contemporary and classic goods from NZ and further afield.

Brewtown Entertainment

Arcade games inside Brewtown Entertainment at Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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Brewtown is quietly but effectively growing a reputation as the region’s ultimate family-friendly destination.

Lower Hutt

A cafe counter at Twenty Eight in 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.

Maidstone Max Adventure Playground

A skate ramp a Maidstone Max on a sunny day.
Place Hutt Valley
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The playground that we all dreamed of when we were young: a castle fort, a double flying fox, a mountain biking track and more.

Forage Merchants of Wellington

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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

A large cafe space with a green painted wall.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Go for a cuppa and delicious food inside this converted church, and stay for the welcoming service and friendly chats.

Tartines French Cafe

Fresh tuna salad and aperol spritz on an outdoor French style table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Tartines offers 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.

Brewtown Eat & Drink

Full of people eating and drinking at Brewtown.
Place Hutt Valley
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Widely regarded as Wellington’s premier craft beer destination, Brewtown isn’t just a mecca for beer lovers, but also for those who simply appreciate good food...

Hive Café

A close up of berries on waffles on a plate.
Place Hutt Valley
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Established in 2016, Hive is intended as a cafe for everyone.

House of Good Fortune

Exterior of mint-green character house in Petone Wellington
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Petone’s myriad side streets hold plenty of delightful surprises, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just stumble upon the House of Good Fortune.

Kaitoke Regional Park

View looking out towards Kaitoke Regional Park
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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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

Bakery interior with royal blue tiles and a cabinet filled with delicious baked goods
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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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

Graffitied walls inside a bar.
Place Hutt Valley
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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.

Comes & Goes

Peoples Coffee footpath sign outside Comes & Goes café in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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Comes & Goes is a brilliant addition to the Wellington café scene, bringing an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.

Cake & Kitchen

A fake living wall inside a brightly lit cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Cake & Kitchen is a cafe in Upper Hutt, bringing people together over delicious food and coffee.

Upper Hutt

The exterior of Dough Bakery in 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.

Seashore Cabaret

View from inside the first floor Seashore Cabaret cafe out to their deck area where people are dining with a view across the harbour to Wellington city beyond.
Place Hutt Valley
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This café definitely takes the title for best view of the city, and doesn't do anything by halves.

Kilim Petone

Chairs and tables in kebab shop with Turkish decor and tapestry on walls
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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.

Goldie

Clothes and homewares on display on shelves in a retail store.
Place Hutt Valley
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Nestled in the seaside village of Eastbourne and online, Goldie is a beautiful home and lifestyle corner store (and paradise) for design lovers.

Tricky's Sandwich Co

Chicken sandwich being placed on the table at Tricky's Sandwich Co
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – and Tricky’s Sandwich Co is a family-run sandwich joint that have made it their business to be unbeatable.