Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt Regional Information

Lower Hutt, or the Hutt City as it is also known, is situated on the northern shores of the Wellington Harbour. Lower Hutt encompasses the city itself, as well as the area extending north up the Hutt Valley, and Wainuiomata, Eastbourne and the Rimutaka Forest Park in the east.

Before European settlement in the 19th century, the Hutt Valley was covered in dense forest and inhabited by Maori whose settlements were concentrated along the shoreline. In 1839, European settlement was negotiated and the first shipload of immigrants arrived on January 22nd, 1840. This date is now celebrated as Wellington's Anniversary Day. Settlement did not run smoothly, though, with Maori opposing the use of their land, resulting in the Hutt Valley Campaign of 1846.

In the year 1874, Lower Hutt was connected to Wellington City by the rail network. This brought about much expansion and growth in the area. Today, transportation by train remains significant within the public transport system, as many people commute to Wellington City from the Hutt Valley.

Today, locals and visitors enjoy physical pursuits in the region, ranging from mountain biking to hiking, horse trekking and running. The large number of tracks in Belmont Regional Park and East Harbour Regional Park offer something to suit all skill levels. The city's harbourside location also allows many people to enjoy water sports such as swimming, windsurfing, fishing and sea kayaking. The area also offers golf enthusiasts the chance to play a round of golf at one of six courses.

Culturally, Lower Hutt features on the map thanks to the excellent Dowse Gallery. The gallery presents a permanent collection augmented by exhibitions and events covering a wide range of contemporary art genres, from fine art to hip hop, ceramics, design, fashion and animation. More culture is on show at the Petone Settlers Museum, where displays tell the stories of settlers and migrants in the Lower Hutt region.

The Lower Hutt also envelops a number of islands in the northern part of Wellington Harbour, the largest of which is Matiu Island. Sometimes called Somes Island, the island is a retreat for both ecological treasures and for visitors. In recent times it has served as a quarantine zone for animals and humans, an internment camp and a military post. Wildlife there includes native forest birds, fantails, kingfishers and silvereyes. It is also a vital habitat for the world's smallest penguin, the Little Blue Penguin, and a number of native skinks and geckos.

Navigate with our great Lower Hutt map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Wellington weather.

For further information on Lower Hutt, visit the Wellington information site.