Surrounded by forested hills, Upper Hutt is one of the four cities that comprise the Wellington region. It’s renowned for its riverside parks and recreational areas that include an award-winning skate park while it’s also on the doorstep of Lake Wairarapa.
Things to do in Upper Hutt
Stretching along the northern edge of Upper Hutt is Te Awa Kairangi or Hutt River, which is fringed by the 29-kilometre-long Hutt River Trail. You can walk or cycle the entire length from Kaitoke Regional Park in Upper Hutt to Petone or rent a kayak to explore the river from the water. Kids can let loose at the playground in Riverbank Park or refresh with a dip at the Maoribank Swimming Hole.
Train enthusiasts should coincide their visit to Upper Hutt with a ride on the Silver Stream Railway, a heritage railway that follows a restored section of the Hutt Valley Line. It operates both steam and diesel locomotives, as well as vintage railcars and rolling stock. After your ride, you can grab ice cream at the railway’s souvenir store or relax with a picnic beside the historic station.
Upper Hutt is a good base for exploring Lake Wairarapa, which forms part of Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Park. It is one of the largest wetland areas in New Zealand and has been recognised for its international significance under the Ramsar Convention. Walking and cycling trails ring the shore and access several bird-watching spots where you can catch a glimpse of native species.
Getting around Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt is around 30 minutes’ drive from Wellington and 45 minutes from Wellington International Airport, which has flights to destinations across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Regular trains connect to the Wallaceville and Upper Hutt railway stations while buses also travel through the city.