
your one day local
escape
COMING TO UPPER HUTT TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC CHERRY BLOSSOMS?
Why not make a day of it and enjoy what Upper Hutt has to offer!
Pssst, don’t forget to get your Blossom Valley Tickets and add our H2O Xtream promotion on when you check out so that you can get a free slide pass with a Family Pass!
For Families
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H2O Xtream
Not just for thrill seekers—there’s something for the whole family here, including toddler pools, lazy rivers, and giant waterslides for older kids and adults alike.
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Maidstone Max
Let the kids burn off energy in one of the region’s best outdoor play parks. With climbing towers, slides, and picnic areas, it’s a full day of family fun.
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JoJo’s Sweet Treats
This little gem offers the largest pick and mix selection in Wellington, and they have a range of international treats and classic NZ lollies sure to put a smile on every kid’s (and adult’s) face!
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Chipmunks Brewtown
The ultimate indoor playground facility for children aged 0-11 with a café onsite selling family friendly classics!
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Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe
Step into a natural wonderland where you can hand-feed native birds, meet farm animals up close, and wander through lush bush landscapes. A unique, hands-on wildlife experience for all ages.
For those who like to shop
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Avisons
A beloved beautiful home and lifestyle store, filled with thoughtfully curated gifts and decor. From trending to timeless and everything in between.
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Take Me Back
Step into the past with a curated collection of retro and vintage goods, from furniture to fashion and everything nostalgic in between.
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The Vogue Store
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Wild Rose
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Humble & Grand
Individual and unique pieces, to make your house, a home. Stocking contemporary furniture, homewares and more.
For the foodies
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Cake & Kitchen
A charming eatery serving decadent cakes, fresh cabinet food, and comforting meals made with love. The perfect brunch or afternoon tea stop.
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Pho Sho
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavour. This Vietnamese Street food kitchen is known for its fragrant pho, crunchy banh mi, and authentic Asian eats made to order.
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Ammu
Dive into a world of spices at this contemporary Indian restaurant, where traditional recipes meet a bold modern twist. Think butter chicken, biryani, and street snacks that pack a punch.
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Fig Tree
Located in an old church, this cosy café serves seasonal fare with a focus on freshness and local produce. A peaceful spot for lunch, coffee, or a sweet treat.
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Keihei
If you love your crispy chicken and full of flavour, this Korean-style fried chicken joint is a must. Choose from sticky, spicy, sweet, or savoury—each bite is better than the last.
For those who want a unique experience
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Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe
Step into a natural wonderland where you can hand-feed native birds, meet farm animals up close, and wander through lush bush landscapes. A unique, hands-on wildlife experience for all ages.
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Brewtown
The region’s go-to hub for craft beer lovers, foodies, and thrill seekers. Enjoy artisan brews, gourmet eats, axe throwing, bowling, and live music—all in one vibrant, industrial-chic destination.
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Cars Inc
A dream stop for car enthusiasts. From classic beauties to high-performance machines, it’s a celebration of all things automotive, paired with good food and a nostalgic vibe.
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H2O Xtream
Dive into the action at Upper Hutt’s premier aquatic centre. With high-speed hydroslides, wave pools, and kid-friendly splash zones, it’s fun, fitness, and family all rolled into one.
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whirinaki whare taonga
Immerse yourself in arts and culture. Enjoy exhibitions, theatre, creative workshops, and storytelling events that bring local heritage to life.
Back in 1992, Upper Hutt locals Mark and Fiona purchased a piece of land in Kaitoke where they planned to build a home and raise their family. The property came with a winding, barren gully, what could they possibly do with that?
In 1994, while working full-time and juggling life with their, at that time only 2 lovely children (now 4), they hand-planted 350 Sakura Cherry Blossom trees.
Fast forward 30 years, the kids are now grown, and those trees have become the heart of the annual Wellington Blossom Valley Festival.
Last year, over 30,000 people wandered beneath the blossoms, soaking in the beauty, a little bit of magic, no matter your age.The festival has grown so much that ticketed entry is now in place to help manage traffic on the busy state highway and ensure everyone has a great experience.
As well as daytime entry, the team developed a night light experience called After Dark.
Book in advance so they don’t have to turn you away, the festival has become incredibly popular resulting in online bookings becoming essential to meet their traffic management obligations set by NZTA. On busy weekends every year they have to turn away hundreds of cars who haven’t prebooked tickets because car parks are limited and tickets are limited online to match this availability. So please book online!