Exploring New Zealand

Hutt Valley Area Guide

The Hutt Valley, part of Wellington city's commuter belt, encompasses the historic suburb of Petone and the cities of Lower and Upper Hutt, both of which are on the eastern side of state highway 2 as it heads north.

Petone was the site of the first settlement of Wellington, and the suburb retains a quaint atmosphere despite its proximity to the highway. The retail zone in Jackson Street is recognised as a historic precinct by the Historic Places Trust and is a relaxed place to wander, with the heritage buildings now home to specialty shops and cafes.

The Hutt River, which gives its name to the wide valley floor, enters the harbour at Petone, and flows through Lower and Upper Hutt and the Kaitoke Regional Park. The Hutt River Trail on the eastern side of the river provides an easy route alongside the river for cycling and walking, and allows access for swimming, fishing and canoeing. The trail starts at the eastern end of Marine Parade on the Petone foreshore and follows the river north to Upper Hutt, 24 kilometres away, but you can begin the walk at many points along the way. The river was used to portray the River Anduin in the Lord of the Rings, and the grassy Poets Park on the west side of the river near Upper Hutt provided the launching place for the Elven boats after the Fellowship of the Ring left Lothlorien.

For other Lord of the Rings locations, check out picturesque Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt, which was the site of the gardens of Isengard in the film, and the beautiful Kaitoke Regional Park, 15 minutes drive north of Upper Hutt, which became Rivendell. Kaitoki is worth exploring in its own right, covering 2,860 hectares in the foothills of the Tararua mountain range. Swim in tranquil (but very cold) river pools, explore the bush-clad tracks, or picnic or camp on the river terraces.