Do
Have an adventure in Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt is jam packed with memorable experiences and activities. With something for everyone, Upper Hutt is a great place to keep the kids entertained to have the best day ever or to try something new with a bunch of mates.
Find the unexpected around every corner, from outdoor adventures, contemporary exhibitions and events of all shapes and sizes, there is so much to do that you have to come back to experience it all!
Adventure with us
Nestled at the back of Upper Hutt in Akatarawa Valley lives a wildlife reserve like no other. 10 hectares of bush, farmland and wetlands are home to hundreds of animals.
Get up close and personal with the deer, goats and pigs, go eel and rainbow trout spotting in the lakes, and wander through aviaries with native birds. Staglands Wildlife Reserve and Cafe is a rural paradise waiting for you to explore.
Slide, swing, run and play in an award-winning playground, right here in Upper Hutt.
Themed around fantasy, Maidstone Max Adventure Playground is packed with fun; from a flying fox to massive tube slides there is something for the young (and young at heart). Not only can you channel your inner royalty in the giant wooden castle and create your own tune in the Sound Play area, you can also take your bike or scooter for a spin on one of NZ’s best skate parks. Rails, ledges, and a large flow bowl lets you live out your pro-skateboarder dreams!
Located in the middle of Upper Hutt lives the vibrant arts centre, Whirinaki Whare Taonga; a cultural, historical, entertainment hub.
This iconic space is always buzzing with ever changing galleries filled with exhibitions from near and far. A theatre that comes alive with shows and performances, they even have a recreation hall that is often home to markets and local events. Whirinaki Whare Taonga is a space for all to enjoy.
A list of upper hutt’s best
Aston Norwood
5 hectares of magical gardens waiting to be explored.
Situated 10 minutes North of Upper Hutt, the intricately designed gardens will take you on an Anglo-Japanese adventure. The tranquil gardens with flowering cherries, maples, rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias make the perfect place to unpack a picnic, or you can enjoy a meal at The Duke, or The Three Trees Cafe.
Liberté Beaute & Spa
A luxury day spa? say no more.
Sometimes we just need to treat ourselves. Liberté offers luxury day spa, beauty (City Centre) and hairdressing services (Silverstream) for all. They pride themselves on giving a personalised experience and always go the extra mile to ensure their clients leave feeling refreshed and satisfied.
Stackhouse knives
Reviving blacksmithing and knife making in New Zealand.
Stackhouse knives offers a wide range of artisan classes, from 2 hour short courses to 5 day classes. They even offer jewellery making classes!
The Witching Hour mini golf
The Potters’ Roost
The Potters' Roost is more than just a pottery studio, it’s a creative little sanctuary right here in Upper Hutt where people can slow down, get their hands messy, and connect through clay.
From beginner wheel-throwing and hand-building workshops to studio memberships for experienced makers, they’re building a real community around creativity and connection. We also love the heart behind their Phoenix Program, offering grounding creative wellbeing sessions that focus on mental wellness through the therapeutic magic of pottery. Proof that Upper Hutt is full of creative spaces doing cool things for the community.
MC3 Collection
For motorcycle fans, MC3 Collection combines great coffee with a fascinating display of more than 60 motorcycles spanning seven decades of riding heritage.
Daytona Adventure Park
Hit the ultimate playground!
Within Brewtown, Daytona is Wellington’s biggest entertainment centre with an indoor Go-Kart track, Ice Skating rink, a 5-lane Ten Pin Bowling alley, a 600sqm Trampoline Park, a large indoor Paintball field and more!
Monterey Cinema
Monterey Cinemas
Blockbuster movies to independent films …and buttery, salty popcorn.
This family run cinema is locally owned and located in the heart of Upper Hutt. With a love of movies and the much-needed escapism that they offer, the owners strive to make Monterey a welcoming spot for all. With four screens, they offer a range of films from the latest and greatest blockbusters to New Zealand local content, alternative content and arthouse films.
Wellington Rafting
Get close to nature, appreciate peaceful scenery and explore Tw Awa Kairangi.
Wellington Rafting have multiple experiences on offer, you can go for a gentle paddle on the river or partake in an exhilarating whitewater adventure. If you want to up the adrenalin, head down the river in an inflatable kayak, or go canyoning in the Little Akatarawa River Canyon. Regardless of which option you chose, you are guaranteed to be in awe of the stunning nature that surrounds you and beautiful sights you will see.
Love Pickle
Love Pickle Club Wellington is the region’s first dedicated indoor pickleball destination — a purpose-built facility where sport, community and connection come together.
With ten indoor courts, coaching programmes, social sessions, leagues, tournaments, family events and corporate experiences, we provide opportunities for everyone from first-time players to competitive athletes. Their mission is simple: create an inclusive environment where people can play, improve, connect and belong.
Blossom Valley
Blossom Valley is an annual spring celebration sure to put the spring in your step as you explore the 14 acres of garden with New Zealand’s highest number and density of mature cherry blossom trees in the one place.
For just a short amount of time each year at Aston Norwood Gardens in Kaitoke, Upper Hutt, hundreds of cherry trees come alive creating a canopy of pink blossom.
Trikin Tours
Tours of the beautiful Wellington region on his GIANT 3 wheeler motortrikes!
They offer five basic tours to get you acquainted with the scenery. You are welcome aboard on any of these tours, or design your own? Treat yourself and a loved one to an exciting, unforgettable ride. Whether as a birthday present, an anniversary present or a gift to clients, this is a great experience.
Harcourt Park
A super fun playground, splash-pad and disc golf makes Harcourt Park an exciting destination.
Harcourt Park is one of Upper Hutt’s premier parks, catering to all ages. Harcourt Park is home to playgrounds, a stage, sports fields, kids cycle track, disc golf, paddling pool and splash pad, botanical and native bush areas, community sport clubrooms, space to picnic, and room to play. Close to Te Awa Kairangi - Hutt River, Harcourt Holiday Park, the Hutt River Trail, and Remutaka Cycle Trail it's the perfect destination for a family day out!
Scapegoat escape rooms
Let out your inner Sherlock Holmes at Scapegoat Escape Rooms.
Located at Brewtown is a locked room waiting for you, and the only way out is to solve a series of puzzles. It is truly an experience for thrill seekers and a sure fire way of bonding with your team mates. Great for friends, work colleagues and families!
Lucky’s Tattoo Museum
The Museum tells the social and artistic history of the art of tattoo with an extensive collection of tattoo art and artefacts from the 1940's to today.
Lucky's Tattoo Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, just a short walk from Wallaceville Station, and entry is FREE!
M&M Collection
Some people collect stamps, while others are more into coins or action figures.
Brett McKenzie collects real, life-sized tanks – and luckily for the people of Upper Hutt, New Zealand’s number one tank enthusiast is more than happy to open his shed to anyone who wants to check them out.
Mangaroa Farms
Mangaroa Farms a resilient community food hub and education centre with a range of events and workshops.
