10 Trails in the Hutt Valley and Where to Treat Yourself After

People biking on a trail in native bush.
Nestled within the lush, rolling landscapes that make up the lower North Island, the Hutt Valley offers an expansive network of interesting walks appealing to both seasoned hikers and casual strollers alike. Whether you’re after a leisurely meander or a more challenging multi-hour ‘slog’, the Hutt Valley trails offer a variety of native bush landscapes and panoramic vistas, meaning there really is something for everyone. Fortunately, the adventure doesn’t have to end with the last step of the walk; the Hutt Valley also offers a yummy selection of culinary spots to reward the tired explorer. Our guide below unveils ten of the best walks in the Hutt Valley and our suggestion of the perfect places to treat yourself afterwards.

Kaitoke Regional Park

View looking out towards Kaitoke Regional Park
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
Stay and explore key icon.

A lush sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Tararua mountains, Kaitoke Regional Park has an ethereal allure that captivates visitors new and old alike - and it’s not just down to its Lord of the Rings connections.

Percy Scenic Reserve

Grassy picnic spot with benches and ducks wandering around in Percy Scenic Reserve
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Stay and explore key icon.

Once a private family garden in the late 1800s, Percy Scenic Reserve is today one of Lower Hutt's most cherished public spaces to take in serene vistas, explore historic plant collections and picnic by the duck pond.

Maidstone Max

A skate ramp a Maidstone Max on a sunny day.
Place Hutt Valley
Stay and explore key icon.

Only a hop, skip and throw from Upper Hutt’s CBD is Maidstone Park.

Staglands

Wildlife reserve with birds running around and a sign saying "Staglands"
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
Stay and explore key icon.

Tucked away deep in the Akatarawa Valley, Staglands is a serene wildlife reserve with a focus on encouraging each visitor to nurture a genuine connection to and appreciation...

Brewtown Entertainment

Arcade games inside Brewtown Entertainment at Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
Stay and explore key icon.

Long synonymous with Wellington’s unparalleled craft beer scene, Brewtown is quietly but effectively growing a reputation as the region’s ultimate...

Toi MAHARA

Weaved bags and mats on display inside a gallery.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Galleries and museum key icon.

Toi MAHARA is the district public gallery for the Kāpiti Coast. It stands in pride of place in the heart of Waikanae in a purpose-built building designed by Athfield Architects.

Toi Matarau

A large gallery full of colourful works of art.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Galleries and museum key icon.

Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.

Dreamscape Glamping

Black bath tubs and a small hut.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Accommodation key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Perched on a hill overlooking Waikanae and the Kāpiti Island, a unique accommodation experience awaits.

Penray Gardens

A fruit and vegetable display inside a large barn.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Stay and explore key icon. Goods key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.

Willis Lane

Three delicious looking hot dogs on a table.
Place Wellington
Stay and explore key icon. Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.

Iris Store + Studio

The front window inside Iris Store + Studio in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Nestled in a creative corner of Wellington and surrounded by like-minded boutique neighbours, Iris Store + Studio is much more than a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.

The Intrepid Hotel

Sign at The Intrepid Hotel.
Place Wellington
Accommodation key icon.

A destination in itself with a surprise at every corner.

Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown

People walking under a large 'Brewtown' stign.
Just a stone’s throw from Upper Hutt train station lies Brewtown, a 6,000 square metre entertainment and dining hub that effortlessly attracts families, parties, and thrill seekers from around Wellington and beyond.

Hoi Studio

Reformer pilates studio in Miramar.
Place Wellington
Stay and explore key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Hoi is a Pilates studio in Miramar with a wholesome philosophy of laughter and light-heartedness in movement.

Old St Paul's

Place Wellington

While Old St Paul’s is no longer affiliated with the Anglican Church (or any church for that matter) it still makes a beautiful spot to come and reflect no matter if you’re atheist, agnostic or still deciding.

Commonsense Wellington City

Crates of fresh produce.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

For all things organic, Commonsense Organics is the place to visit – and luckily for Wellingtonians there are four stores to choose from.

Wellington Apothecary

The interior of the store.
Place Wellington
Services key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

Find a complete range of botanical tonics, teas and skincare, all handmade in small batches at this local apothecary.

A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast

The ocean on the Kapiti Coast.
Kāpiti Coast is renowned for its stunning views, beautiful coastline and petite villages brimming with interesting discoveries. Tucked between the mountainous Tararua Range and the Pacific Ocean, this narrow strip of land is home to creative communities, bakers and brewers, nature lovers and ocean enthusiasts, culinary aficionados and those in search of a slower pace of life.

Commonsense Kilbirnie

A woman at work in the aisles.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

A boutique and thoughtful shopping experience.

Weta Workshop

A large figurine.
Place Wellington
Stay and explore key icon.

Your gateway to immersive film making experiences.