One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to the Hutt Valley

Whisper it quietly, but the Hutt Valley may well be the coffee capital of the lower North Island. Petone alone could keep a caffeine obsessive busy for days, whether it’s Revive Espresso with its house espresso blend (pulling together no fewer than seven single origin coffees), or the colourful House of Good Fortune up the road, the spiritual home of Good Fortune Coffee Co.

Further up north in Upper Hutt, you’ll find a great selection of cafes along the main roads that stretch through the city centre. From the delectable baked goods at Jeans on Fergusson Drive, to charismatic gems like Cafe Blume and Clover, you’re never far from a top-notch coffee spot.

The cafes of the Hutt know full well that the right ambience can add that extra shot of goodness to an already solid cuppa. And we’re not just talking about quirky artwork - pop into places like The Elephant Ear and Petals, versatile retail spaces that invite you to linger and pair your coffee with a house plant or a thoughtfully curated bouquet for that special someone.

People often comment on how hard it is to find Korean restaurants in Wellington. Turns out, they’re thriving in the Hutt Valley. Lower Hutt’s Han River is a longtime institution, with perhaps one of the most comprehensive Korean menus in the region. Meanwhile, Keihei Chicken and K Chicken keep Upper Hutt locals well fed with delicious Korean fried chicken and burgers, while small but mighty An Nyeong Ha Se Yo serves up some of the most authentic and hearty dishes you’ll find in town.

Wherever you head in the valley, you’ll come across delicious flavours from all corners of the globe. La Bella Italia exemplifies the best of Italian hospitality, not only serving delectable pizzas and gelato but also boasting shelves filled with unique pantry goods. Meanwhile, Kilim has a well-earned reputation as perhaps one of the best Turkish spots in the country - the mixed grill has a cult following.

For those wanting to keep it simple, Gerry’s Charcoal Chicken proves that a no-fuss menu, executed well, keeps people coming back for decades. Dough Bakery dishes out superb sandwiches and donuts from its sunny little spot, while Pho Sho on Main Street is a go-to for quick, timeless Vietnamese takeaways.

Whether it’s authentic ingredients for your next Asian culinary masterpiece, or a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave an impression, there are few things you can’t find in the Hutt.

The sprawling Yan’s Supermarket in central Lower Hutt is a true one-stop shop for all things Asian. Browse the rows of fresh produce, specialty sauces, and Asian beverages and snacks before tucking into your favourite two-meats-on-rice at the in-house restaurant. The Upper Hutt has its fair share of quality Asian spots too, including Golden Star Asian Food Supermarket, The Spicery, All Asia Foods and Krishna Spices N Food.

In Alicetown you’ll find Forage Merchants, a delightful artisan shop stocking well-known local brands such as Six Barrel Soda and Karamu Coffee, as well as sheep cheese, chutneys, sauces, chocolates, fresh bread, and more.

Speaking of cheese, The Dutch Shop in Petone is a must-visit, with the added bonus of beautiful European gifts on offer. Down the road, award-winning Schrödinger’s Books is the quintessential Wellington bookshop, with something for every bibliophile.

Inside or out, quiet or action-packed - however you like to spend your leisure time, the valley has you covered. Families will love the intimate, interactive experience at Staglands Wildlife Reserve - there are few things more serene than mingling with herds of deer. Also in Upper Hutt, Maidstone Max combines a downhill mountain bike track with an adventure playground, inviting kids to let their imaginations run wild.

No visit to Lower Hutt is complete without a stop at the Dowse Art Museum, perhaps the beating cultural heart of the city. The spotlight is firmly on contemporary New Zealand artists, in all mediums from painting installations and video to ceramics, textiles, and jewellery. Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt delivers an eclectic programme throughout the year, whether it’s dinosaurs or space photography, or ‘blockbuster’ exhibitions from around the world like the Louvre’s The Secrets of Mona Lisa.

And last but certainly not least, the Hutt is home to some of the region’s best beaches. Petone Beach is perfect for a long walk, capped off with brunch at Seashore Cabaret. Around the corner, there’s plenty to do at Days Bay and Eastbourne, from bike rides along the beach to paddling and a fantastic choice of eateries.

The Hutt Valley isn’t the kind of place to shout about itself - but those who know, know.