City
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.
01 Percy Scenic Reserve
5 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt
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.
02 Twenty Eight
28 Cornwall Street, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt
Eager to explore new ideas, this cafe has thoughtfully crafted food and drink offerings that are both classic and slightly different, and always delicious.
03 The Dowse
45 Laings Road, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt
With more than 3,500 items in their collection, The Dowse breaks free from the norms of the day with their focus on contemporary art and New Zealand studio craft.
04 Miss Fortune's
105 Hutt Park Road, Gracefield, Lower Hutt
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.
05 Forage Merchants of Wellington
46A Victoria Street, Alicetown, Lower Hutt
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.
06 Abandoned Taproom Petone
38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
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.
07 Goldie
27 Rimu Street, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt
Nestled in the seaside village of Eastbourne and online, Goldie is a beautiful home and lifestyle corner store (and paradise) for design lovers.
08 Tartines French Cafe
Village corner 1, 2 Rimu Street, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt
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.
09 Kilim Petone
87 Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
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.
10 Viva Mexico
93 Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
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.
11 Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters
22 Waione Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.
12 Wanda Harland Design Store
148 Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
A clothing, decor, homewares and jewellery store in the heart of Petone that balances fun and frivolity with sustainability.
13 Baylands Brewery
22 Victoria Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
From a garage under a house to this spacious, modern taproom, Baylands is paving an exciting beer journey.
14 Hive Café
16 Rimu Street, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt
A friendly, fresh and big cafe in Eastbourne that prides itself on being genuine, baking everything, every day, and having particularly kind staff.
15 Schrödinger's Books
137 Jackson Street, Petone, 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.
16 House of Good Fortune
52 Fitzherbert Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
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.
17 Seashore Cabaret
160 The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt
This café definitely takes the title for best view of the city, and doesn't do anything by halves.
18 Trade School Kitchen
17 Everest Avenue, Naenae, Lower Hutt
This not-for-profit cafe provides a space of belonging and offers training opportunities for people facing employment barriers.
19 House of Good Fortune
52 Fitzherbert Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
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.
20 Comes & Goes
259 Jackson Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
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.
21 La Bella Italia
10 Nevis Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
Discover Lower Hutt's very own Little Italy down an unassuming side street in Petone.
22 Bellbird Eatery
The Dowse Art Museum, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt
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.
Cities
Upper Hutt
