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, 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’, 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; 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 Hutt Valley and our suggestion of the perfect places to treat yourself afterwards.

Street Eats

Dining room and bright colourful options at Street Eats.
Place Hutt Valley
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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...

Royal Punjabi Sweets and Bake House

Exterior view of the corner shop Royal Punjabi Sweets and Bake House.
Place Hutt Valley

You’re not a real sweet tooth until you’ve tried the underrated delights that are authentic Indian sweets.

An Nyeong Ha Se Yo Korean Food Takeaway

Exterior shop view of An Nyeong Ha Se Yo Korean Food Takeaway.
Place Hutt Valley

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...

Janus Bakkerij

Customers waiting to order at the counter at Janus Bakkerij.
Place Hutt Valley
Cafes key icon.

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.

Caffiend

Counter and cabinet at Caffiend.
Place Hutt Valley
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bellbird Eatery

A glass counter inside a cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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

Italian food in jars on shelves at La Bella Italia.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Discover Lower Hutt's very own Little Italy down an unassuming side street in Petone.

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.

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.

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.

Gerry's Charcoal Chicken

A covered area with retro brick and green coloured seating.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A revered Upper Hutt institution that has been serving delicious spit-roasted chicken to the community for decades.

House of Good Fortune

Barista making coffee behind cafe counter and cabinet
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 House of Good Fortune.

Hutt Valley Businesses Leading the Sustainable Way

Assorted products on display at The Dowse gift shop.
From the pristine coastlines of Lower Hutt to the rugged nature walks in Upper Hutt, the Hutt Valley is full of scenic wonders - and plenty of homegrown, sustainable businesses.

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.

Tartines French Cafe

Outdoor area of Tartines in Lower Hutt with people dining underneath bunting of French flags
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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.

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.

Tricky's Sandwich Co.

Sandwich and coffee takeaway order
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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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.

Hive Café

Tables and chairs inside a brightly cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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A friendly, fresh and big cafe in Eastbourne that prides itself on being genuine, baking everything, every day, and having particularly kind staff.

Kilim Petone

Turkish postcards and colourful beads on wall
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.

Twenty Eight

Someone holding a plate of pancakes with strawberries at cafe
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.

Comes & Goes

Coffee brewing equipment on the counter at Comes & Goes café in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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

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.

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.

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.

Your Insider's Guide to Eastbourne and Days Bay

The exterior of Goldie homewares store in Eastbourne.

Just across the harbour from Wellington are the charming seaside villages of Eastbourne and Days Bay. Their tranquillity and natural assets certainly make both coastal spots popular destinations for sunny-day excursions, and the community feel of the local businesses not only binds the residents but also keeps visitors coming back for more. 

Jean's

Pastries on a board on top of a wooden counter.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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An artisan bakery and coffee shop that adds plenty of life and character to Fergusson Drive.

Cake & Kitchen

A busy cafe in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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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.

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.

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.

Forage Merchants of Wellington

Interior of an artisan food shop with chilli oil on shelves, retro lampshades and antique chairs and table
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.

Brewtown Eat & Drink

Full of people eating and drinking at Brewtown.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A mecca for beer lovers and those who simply appreciate good food.

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.