Percy Scenic Reserve
MondayOpen 24 hours.
TuesdayOpen 24 hours.
WednesdayOpen 24 hours.
ThursdayOpen 24 hours.
FridayOpen 24 hours.
SaturdayOpen 24 hours.
SundayOpen 24 hours.
A green oasis right on the fringes of Petone, Percy Scenic Reserve is steeped in history and is one of Lower Hutt’s most cherished public spaces, having evolved from its origins as a private family garden in the late 1800s.
The 10-hectare sanctuary harks back to the area's earliest settlements, preserving not only its serene vistas but also housing historic plant collections of scientific significance. Families can unwind with a picnic by the tranquil duck pond, set against verdant lawns where children are invited to frolic in play areas. Further along the reserve, a water wheel, which once powered a flour mill, proudly stands as another nod to the area’s past, and the weta cave is a favourite for young and brave explorers.
Keen walkers will find a range of trails to explore, with easy, gentle options for the whole family to get involved. Right in the heart of the reserve you’ll be rewarded with views of the majestic Percy Waterfall, one of the area’s favourite photo opportunities.
Doubling as a safe sanctuary for native plant species, Percy Scenic Reserve has an important role to play not only as a beloved recreational space but also in supporting the region’s biodiversity. Families, walkers, and outdoor lovers of all stripes are invited to revel in this secluded space and explore its place in Lower Hutt’s history.
Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs
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Location
5 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt
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Featured 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.
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