Upper Hutt is a place to create lasting experiences. Known for its fresh air, friendly people, and thrilling outdoor adventures, this small city is big on fun. At every turn, you’ll encounter nature and greenery, and the opportunity to create life-long memories.

Adventure seekers are right at home here. The hills surrounding Upper Hutt are full of mountain biking and walking trails. Explore pristine river valleys, native forests, and steep craggy hillsides. For something truly memorable, try the Remutaka Cycle Trail. One of New Zealand’s premier rides, the historic trail weaves its way through abandoned railway tunnels and over the Remutaka Range.

The white waters of the mighty provide the setting for an exciting day on the rapids with Wellington Rafting. Experts guide you as you paddle the gnarly upper section of the river. For a more subdued activity, walk or ride the banks of the lower river along the scenic Hutt River Trail.

Close up of Bagels inside Dough Bakery Upper Hutt.
A parent and child look a ducks in a pond at Aston Norwood Gardens surrounded by blossoming cherry trees.
Looking into a valley in the Remutaka Range, where the Remutaka Cycle trail and swingbridge can be seen.
Group of people laughing whilst sitting at a table with beers and bar food at Aro Bar in Brewtown, Upper Hutt.

It’s easy to get close to nature here. Meet New Zealand’s native creatures at Staglands Wildlife Reserve. Or, picnic beneath ancient rainforests at Kaitoke Regional Park and see filming locations from ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

Upper Hutt is also home to the Wellington region’s only craft beer village, Brewtown. This haven for beer lovers features four breweries, a boutique distillery, and entertainment options. Taste award-winning local brews then experience adrenaline-pumping fun at Daytona Adventure Park. There’s go-karting, ten-pin bowling, paintball and more.

Find the unexpected around every corner in Upper Hutt City. There are stylish boutiques, galleries and bustling cafés. Visit Whirinaki Whare Taonga for its contemporary art exhibitions. For the young (and young-at-heart), Maidstone Max playground offers accessible play options. It features a dedicated pump track, half basketball court, flying fox, and lots of colourful play activities.

An aerial view of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River with three rafts from Wellington Rafting in Upper Hutt.

Looking for more in the Hutt Valley?

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A person wearing a blue helmet, orange lifejacket, is in mid-air, doing a cannonball jump from a tall rock into a stream. Three people watch from below, where they wait with two small red rafts.

Wellington Rafting

Wellington Rafting offers thrilling adventures on Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River. There are many outdoor experiences on offer.

A family with a young child play with piglets on the grass at Staglands.

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Nestled in Wellington’s Hutt Valley, you’ll find Staglands Wildlife Reserve, a kid-friendly experience where you can interact with native animals.

Customers sitting at tables inside The House of Good Fortune.

Petone: An eclectic seaside suburb packed full of character

Full of colour and history, Petone is an eclectic seaside suburb known for its great cafés and restaurants, speciality boutiques, and coastal views.

Three people drinking beer in front of Brewtown sign in Upper Hutt.

Brewtown Upper Hutt

Brewtown is the ultimate destination for craft beer, food, and entertainment. A short walk from the train station, you’ll find Wellington’s top breweries.

2 poeple standing underneath the Pencarrow lighthouse, with the ocean int eh background.

Visit majestic lighthouses and idyllic beaches in Eastbourne and Days Bay

Pretty and picturesque, the seaside villages of Eastbourne and Days Bay are full of charm.

Hands brazing a ring together at a wooden bench inside Rawson Brothers Jewellery in Upper Hutt.

Rawson Brothers Jewellery

Wellington’s Rawson Brothers Jewellery in Upper Hutt creates stunning bespoke jewellery using the finest diamonds, raw materials, and traditional techniques.

Mountain bikers on hill overlooking Wellington Harbour on Pencarrow Coast Road Trail.

Lower Hutt: A vibrant city with a big green backyard

The vibrant city of Lower Hutt offers great big outdoor adventures, boundary-pushing art, and shopping experiences.

The exterior looking into Dough Bakery Upper Hutt.

Dough Bakery

Masters of artisan bread and baked goods, Dough Bakery offers a range of loaves, sweet treats, and pastries from café locations around the Wellington region.

Person walking across a bridge through bush on the Ōrongorongo Track and Valley, Remutaka Forest Park, Wainuiomata.

Adventure into the Wainuiomata wilderness

Packed with mountain bike trails and bush walks, Wainuiomata is full of adventure.

Two bikers going through a dark tunnel on the Rail Trail Section on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride

The 122 km long Remutaka Cycle Trail connects Wellington to the Wairarapa region. The Great Ride takes 2 to 3 days or can be split into day trips.