One of a Kind Experiences in the Hutt Valley

At the heart of Petone lies Jackson Street, a colourful, bustling thoroughfare that tells the story of Aotearoa. Once the site of New Zealand’s first planned European settlement, today it’s a heritage-rich spine of culture, boutique shops, and cafes, making it feel like the Hutt’s living room. Along the way you’ll find spots like Comes & Goes, where Kiwi and Asian flavours play beautifully on the plate; The Chocolate Story, a boutique chocolatier; The Dutch Shop, a beloved source of imported cheese and European treats; and Kilim, one of the region’s top picks for hearty Turkish fare. Thus Jackson Street captures the essence and the story of Aotearoa - one of the nation’s first ever settled hubs, now a microcosm of its diverse cultural tapestry.

Step into a world of hats, hats, and more hats at Hatlantis, the flagship store of Hill Hats. This stalwart of New Zealand fashion showcases handcrafted headwear made with the care and legacy of a true heirloom brand. Boasting local music icons such as Ladi6, Fat Freddy’s Drop, and Troy Kingi among its clientele, the store blends understated luxury with a deep respect for craft. Every hat is made locally at the Hatmosphere factory down the road by a fourth-generation team using traditional machinery and techniques. From premium felts and handwoven straws to oilskins and the bestselling Optimum design, Hatlantis is a celebration of enduring New Zealand manufacturing.

Art lovers rejoice: The Dowse Art Museum is one of the Hutt Valley’s cultural crown jewels. With a collection that champions contemporary New Zealand art and studio craft - particularly from local and national artists - The Dowse is where thought-provoking exhibitions meet beautifully executed design. Its ever-changing programming makes every visit feel fresh, and the onsite Bellbird Eatery serves delicious, classy seasonal eats, a perfect spot for lingering over a coffee and conversation afterwards. A convenient spot where you can nourish both the mind and the stomach, it’s a must-visit on any trip to the Hutt.

A sprawling, immersive haven deep in the heart of the Akatarawa Valley, Staglands is a must for those who love nature with a side of conservation and character. This peaceful wildlife reserve offers encounters with native and rare species - from cheeky kea and Arapawa goats to the grunty but gentle kunekune pigs - all set within lush bush and wide open spaces. The deer park is an undoubted highlight, where you can mingle freely with fallow deer across rolling hills. It’s a place to slow down and marvel at the unique biodiversity of New Zealand against the backdrop of birdsong and bleating farm animals.

What began as a boyhood passion for car enthusiast Paul Boden has evolved into Cars Inc., a Trentham car museum and cafe located near the former General Motors plant once considered the spiritual home of New Zealand motoring. Sparked by Boden’s own 20-plus car collection and bolstered by community contributions, the museum now showcases more than 60 vehicles alongside memorabilia, spanning muscle cars, drag racers, circuit cars, and motorbikes - mobile works of art for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The retro American-style cafe keeps the theme rolling, serving playful, car-inspired dishes, indulgent shakes, and sundaes, plus kid-friendly favourites.

At M&M Collection, Upper Hutt local Brett McKenzie shares his extraordinary fleet of life-sized armoured vehicles with the public. After first driving a Soviet T55 and British Centurion in Christchurch - and spurred by a love of the game World of Tanks - Brett’s passion snowballed into a hands-on collection that’s now the only place in New Zealand where you can ride multiple armoured vehicles, from World War II tanks to a Unimog 4WD truck. With more than 10 machines spanning decades of military engineering, visits are immersive, conversational, and tailored to each group, bringing history to life in the most rumbling, unforgettable way possible.

Just minutes from Upper Hutt’s CBD, Maidstone Park is an expansive green play space packed with bush trails, sports fields, bike tracks, and the standout Maidstone Max Adventure Playground. Reimagined in 2021 with a timeless fantasy theme, the playground features a castle fort, double flying fox, pump track, half basketball court, and skate park, with inclusive, wheelchair-friendly design woven throughout. Sand and musical play add extra points of difference, while shaded picnic spots and covered BBQ areas make it an easy choice for relaxed family outings or larger gatherings. If you’re looking for somewhere to impress the kids, you need not look much further.

With something on offer for quite literally all ages, Brewtown stands out as a 6,000-square-metre playground for grown-ups and kids alike: part craft beer village, part entertainment hub. With breweries pouring local pints, hearty food, and a range of activities from bowling to go-karts and mini golf, it’s a place that effortlessly mixes flavours and fun. Keep an eye out for Stackhouse Knives, where you can partake in craft classes with a difference and fashion your very own knife to take home. This mecca of food, drink, and entertainment has the bonus of being just a short walk from the train station, making it as accessible as it is engaging.

Wellington’s rich tattoo culture is celebrated at Lucky’s Tattoo Museum, New Zealand’s only museum dedicated to the art form. Created by veteran tattooist Dre Röck, the museum houses an extensive collection of vintage flash designs, historic machines dating back to the 1930s, and archival material from Roger Ingerton of Rogers Tattoo Art, including rare works by legends such as Kevin Gray and Ollie Bott. Sharing a space with Saturnia Tattoos, it blends history with contemporary practice, showcasing prison-made rotary machines, letters from Sailor Jerry, traditional Uhi Ta Moko tools, and archival footage, preserving the rich legacy of Aotearoa’s tattoo heritage.