About the Hutt Valley

History of Hutt Valley

Hutt Valley has an ancient history that includes Maori mythology of taniwha and stories that show the area as a place of national and international importance. 

Discover the stories of how this region became the place of the first organised settlement by the New Zealand Company out of England and grew as an important service centre for the nation. 

The settlement of Hutt Valley is the story of the settlement of Wellington, capital of New Zealand.

Hutt City

Just 15 minutes north of Wellington is the second largest city in the Wellington region.  Hutt City is made up of Lower Hutt suburbs and CBD, Petone and Eastbourne on the harbour and the wilderness of Wainuiomata's Rimutaka Forest Park and access to Pencarrow Head.

The range of harbour, river, plains and mountain landscapes gives Hutt City unique appeal.  This unique appeal extends further to include the shopping, cafés, restaurants, arts and cultural experiences on offer.

Local News, Current Affairs and events for the Hutt Valley Wellington New Zealand

Jackson Street, Petone

Jackson Street, Petone has grown over recent years to be the Hutt Valley's number one attraction for visitors.

Jackson Street is a heritage icon, combining an eclectic mix of old buildings with funky cafés, galleries and boutique shopping. The retail strip boasts a huge variety of specialty shops, cafés, bars and restaurants that supply a wide range of ethnic foods, great coffee and products not available anywhere else in New Zealand.

Step inside a story, not just a store.

Eastern Bays

The seaside villages of Days Bay and Eastbourne in the Eastern Bays are excellent places to experience another aspect of the Hutt Valley. 

There are some great walkways and beaches but this is also a very upmarket area in the Wellington region.  Just strolling the streets looking at the houses and village shops and cafes is great fun.

To get you started, have a look at a suggested itinerary for the Eastern Bays.

Upper Hutt

This is a city of more than 36,000 just 25 minutes drive or a 40 minute scenic train ride north from Wellington. Upper Hutt is nestled by the Hutt River, it is set amongst bushclad hills with easy access to recreational pursuits ranging from quiet native forest and riverside walks, fishing to hunting, tramping and mountainbiking.

The 52 Family Friendly Activities Booklet provides a list of fun activities for the whole family, one for every week of the year!

Hutt Valley i-SITE Visitor Centres

The Hutt Valley has two i-SITE Visitor Centres. They are your one stop shop for bookings and information about what to see and do around the Hutt Valley and throughout New Zealand.

Start with i-SITE today!

Experience New Zealand like a local - wherever your travel takes you.

We know all the best things to do, places to stay and ways to get there. Plus we'll take care of the bookings.