This contemporary art institution focuses on collecting and exhibiting studio craft, including ceramics, textiles, weaving, photography, and graphics. The museum has carved out a niche in the applied arts world and now has one of the largest collections of its kind in New Zealand with more than 3,500 objects. It’s considered a pioneer in the presentation of art forms underrepresented and underappreciated in the mainstream art world.
Nestled in the Hutt Valley’s beautiful Akatarawa Valley, Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers a rare opportunity to interact with the local fauna on its own terms. Here, 10 hectares of bush, farmland and wetlands have been sensitively cultivated into an idyllic home for some of New Zealand’s endangered species. This natural and genuine experience blends tourism, conservation, and education into a great experience for all.
A diversely forested trail for families to explore, peppered with handmade fairy homes and signs to identify native plants.
Often walked in a clockwise direction, the 1km loop is an easy track with gentle rises, bridges and regular signs to identify native plants. Look out for the surprise on one of the smaller bridges.
Tucked under the bush-clad Belmont Hills, Percy Scenic Reserve offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. There’s lots to discover in this expansive reserve. Surrounded by native bush and a stream, several manicured lawns make the perfect place to stop for a picnic. The duck pond will provide entertainment for the kids. From here, you can explore a dark cave full of giant wētā, spot eels in the creek, or relax by the duck pond and be serenaded by cheeky tūī and kererū. A series of short bush trails will take you to a secluded park and a beautiful waterfall.
Explore the mighty waters of the Te Awa Kairangi Hutt River with Wellington Rafting.
With multiple outdoor experiences on offer, you can choose from a gentle paddle on the river or thrilling white water adventures. Each experience takes you deep into the heart of the Hutt Valley wilderness. You’ll get close to nature and see idyllic scenery.
Made up of a skilled group of guides and adventure-seekers, the Wellington Rafting team has years of experience. So, you’re always in safe hands. They’ll guide you through exciting white water while you take in riverside scenery and untouched native bush.
Hidden away in the Hutt Valley, Tane’s Track is a leisurely 2.3km walking route winding from the Tunnel Gully car park through native bush to Mount Climie and back.
Begin your walk from the lower picnic area, then take the left-hand branch through rimu, mātai, kahikatea, and tawa forest. Cross the road that once formed the Remutaka railway line and climb through black beech forest up to Collins stream and a waterfall.
Set in five hectares of magical gardens, Aston Norwood is home to boutique accommodation, a quaint café, and garden centre.
Best known for its cherry blossom trees, every spring Aston Norwood bursts into life as ‘Blossom Valley’. Thousands of visitors flock here to stroll through the gardens under a canopy of candy-floss pink cherry trees.
With fresh scenery every season, you can visit Aston Norwood all year round. The idyllic gardens offer a peaceful spot to unpack a picnic, or you can enjoy high tea in the café overlooking the grounds.
A vibrant arts centre in the middle of Upper Hutt, Whirinaki Whare Taonga is a cultural, history, and entertainment hub. This expansive space is home to five galleries, a huge recreation hall, and an on-site café.
The galleries are always full with a changing programme of exhibitions. In the theatre, live performances, music, film, and dance keep Whirinaki Whare Taonga buzzing all year round. You can see everything from a local photographic exposé to contemporary dance.
The huge recreation hall is home to many sporting and cultural events and is available for hire.
With 4,500 square metres devoted to indoor entertainment, Daytona Adventure Park has activities for everyone. There’s mini golf, ice skating, paintball, 10-pin bowling, cart racing, axe-throwing, escape rooms, and a trampoline park. Choose one activity or make a day of it by combining them all. This is the ideal option if the weather isn’t playing ball, or if everyone just needs to burn off a bit of energy.