Upper Hutt Travel Guide

City City in Wellington Region, New Zealand

North of Wellington, Upper Hutt lures cyclists and train-spotters with the Remutaka Rail Trail, forested reserves and river-gravel campsites. Weekend farmers’ stalls, craft brewers and movie-friendly river locations keep locals busy.

Costs

Mid- to high-range, $120-200/day

New Zealand prices mean $120-200 per day for most travelers.

Safety

Very safe, family-friendly city

Very low crime; family-friendly with safe parks and public spaces.

Best Time

November to March (summer)

Warm, long days perfect for hiking, rivers and outdoor activities.

In This Guide

Why Visit Upper Hutt?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

47,500

Infrastructure & Convenience

Frequent trains to Wellington, good roads and local amenities; car useful for wider exploration.

Popularity

Popular with Wellington day‑trippers and families; not a major international draw.

Known For

Rimutaka Range, Rimutaka Forest Park, Hutt River, Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell filming), cycle trails, Trentham events, weekend markets, outdoor recreation

Kaitoke Regional Park near Upper Hutt doubled as Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings films.

Why Visit Upper Hutt? #

Framed by the Hutt River and the Rimutaka Range, Upper Hutt is a gateway to Wellington-region outdoor escapes and friendly small-town life. Kaitoke Regional Park (used as Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings) and the Rimutaka Cycle Trail bring walkers and cyclists to native forests and river valleys, while weekend markets and craft breweries offer relaxed post-adventure hangs. It’s a practical base for nature days with easy access to city amenities.

Top Things to Do in Upper Hutt

All Attractions ›

Te Papa

New Zealand's national museum combining natural and cultural exhibits

Historical Site

Wellington Regional Stadium

Major stadium hosting rugby and concerts

Stadium

Kapiti Island

Predator-free nature reserve island and bird sanctuary

Island

Lake Wairarapa

Shallow coastal lake in southern North Island

Lake

Remutaka Range

Mountain range east of Wellington, rugged forested peaks

Mountains

Sacred Heart Cathedral, Wellington

Catholic cathedral in Wellington city center

Church

Tararua Range

Rugged forested mountain range in southern North Island

Mountains

Matiu / Somes Island

Wellington island reserve with historic sites and wildlife

Island

Don't Miss

Trentham Memorial Park - Large park with gardens, playgrounds, and riverside paths for relaxed outdoor time.
Staglands Wildlife Reserve - Native bird sanctuary and animal reserve, ideal for families and nature spotting.
Rimutaka Rail Trail - Historic rail trail offering cycling and hiking through forested gorges and old viaducts.
Trentham Racecourse - Active racing venue and event space hosting regular horse racing and markets.

Hidden Gems

Upper Hutt Farmers' Market - Weekend market offering local produce, artisan foods, and friendly community atmosphere.
Akatarawa Valley walks - Quiet valley trails through native bush, suitable for short hikes and picnics.
Baring Head coastal reserve - Coastal reserve with lighthouse views, seal colonies, and rugged coastal walks.

Day Trips

Wellington - New Zealand's capital with museums, cafés, and harbourfront attractions about thirty minutes away.
Wairarapa vineyards (Martinborough) - Renowned wine region offering cellar doors, cycle trails, and country dining experiences.

Best Time to Visit Upper Hutt #

Upper Hutt is best in the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February) for warm, mostly dry weather and outdoor activities. Winters are cool and rainy; shoulder months give pleasant, changeable conditions.

Summer

December - February · 14-24°C (57-75°F)

Warm, often breezy days perfect for river walks and outdoor cafes; sunscreen and a light jacket for cool evenings recommended.

Winter

June - August · 4-12°C (39-54°F)

Cool, wet weather with occasional westerly winds - quieter sightseeing but bring rain gear and warm layers for evenings.

Spring & Autumn

September - November & March - May · 8-18°C (46-64°F)

Mild, changeable weather with bursts of sun - ideal for hiking and exploring the Wellington region without extremes.

Best Time to Visit Upper Hutt #

Climate

Upper Hutt's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1479 mm/year), wettest in June.

Best Time to Visit

FebruaryJanuaryMarch

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

27°

Warmest Month

2°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

13° – 22°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

5.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

14.6h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

12° – 22°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

81 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 20°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

101 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

12.2h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

9° – 17°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

109 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

10.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

7° – 14°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

143 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

5° – 12°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

169 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

4° – 12°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

150 mm

Rainfall

5.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

5° – 12°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

137 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

6° – 14°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

106 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

11.7h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

8° – 16°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

135 mm

Rainfall

5.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

13.1h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

10° – 18°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

111 mm

Rainfall

5.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.3h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 20°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

133 mm

Rainfall

5.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

14.9h daylight

How to Get to Upper Hutt

Upper Hutt is part of the Wellington metropolitan area and is easily reached from Wellington Airport and Wellington city by Metlink train or by road. The Hutt Valley rail line provides frequent, reliable commuter services into central Wellington and back.

By Air

Wellington International Airport (WLG): Wellington Airport is the nearest major airport to Upper Hutt (about 30-40 km). From the airport you can take a Metlink train or a direct taxi/rideshare to Upper Hutt.

Christchurch / Auckland (for wider arrivals): If you arrive elsewhere in New Zealand, domestic connections to Wellington are frequent; from Wellington follow the rail or road options to Upper Hutt.

By Train & Bus

Train: Upper Hutt Station is on the Hutt Valley Line (Metlink) with regular suburban services to Wellington (approximately 35-45 minutes). Trains depart roughly every 20-30 minutes in peak times; fares are zone‑based via Snapper card or paper tickets (typical single Wellington-Upper Hutt adult fare around NZD 5-8 depending on ticket type).

Bus: Metlink buses serve the wider Hutt Valley for local journeys that the train doesn’t cover; local routes link suburbs, shopping areas and parks. Bus fares are zone‑based and comparable to train fares for short trips.

How to Get Around Upper Hutt #

Upper Hutt’s central area is easy to walk, with a compact CBD clustered near Upper Hutt Station. Metlink trains run regularly between Upper Hutt and Wellington, and local buses cover suburbs; the Bee Card is the standard fare card for trips. Taxis and rideshares are available but more limited than in Wellington; having a car helps if you plan to explore the wider Hutt Valley.

Where to Stay in Upper Hutt #

Budget

Central Upper Hutt - $70-110/night

Upper Hutt offers several budget motels and motor lodges near the town centre and rail station; simple, convenient for Wellington access.

Upper Hutt motels & hostels (various) - Several budget motels available
Hutt Valley Motor Lodge - Affordable, family-run motel

Mid-Range

Main Street / Rail hub - $110-170/night

Comfortable mid-range motels and apartment-style hotels near Main Street and the rail hub; good for families and business travelers.

Quest on Main Street (Upper Hutt) - Apartment-style mid-range rooms
Silverfern Motor Lodge - Comfortable, close to amenities

Luxury

Wellington for luxury - $150+/night

Upper Hutt lacks major luxury hotels; for high-end stays, Wellington (20-30 minutes) has full-service luxury and boutique hotels. I can list Wellington options.

(No large luxury hotels locally) - Luxury hotels mainly in Wellington
(Upscale boutique options nearby) - Consider Wellington for full luxury

Where to Eat in Upper Hutt #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Upper Hutt's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Fish & Chips

Indian

Chinese

Pizza

Burger

Sandwich

Kebab

Asian

Pita

Thai

Sushi

Korean

Chicken

Italian

Nightlife in Upper Hutt #

Upper Hutt’s nightlife is low-key, focused on pubs, family restaurants and occasional live-music events. The town suits relaxed evenings rather than late-night clubbing. For a wider range of bars and late-night venues, Wellington’s entertainment scene is the nearest option.

Shopping in Upper Hutt #

Most shopping needs are met by local malls and suburban centres such as Trentham Mall, alongside small boutiques and everyday services. Weekend farmers’ stalls and community markets appear periodically. For specialty shopping and a busier nightlife, Wellington is a quick train ride away.