Nearby city with Weta Workshop tour, Dowse Art Museum, and Hutt River trails.
About Lower Hutt
Lower Hutt is the second-largest city in the Wellington region, stretching along the Hutt Valley beside the Hutt River. The compact CBD along Queens Drive features Westfield Queensgate shopping center, cafes, and the Dowse Art Museum—a well-regarded contemporary art gallery with free admission and rotating exhibitions.
The city offers a more suburban, family-friendly alternative to Wellington's urban intensity. The Hutt River Trail provides scenic walking and cycling paths, and Petone's Jackson Street is a charming strip of boutique shops, vintage stores, and waterfront cafes that has become a popular weekend destination. Lower Hutt is also home to Weta Workshop—the special effects company behind The Lord of the Rings, offering studio tours. The Remutaka Rail Trail and nearby Rimutaka Forest Park provide easy access to nature.
The city offers a more suburban, family-friendly alternative to Wellington's urban intensity. The Hutt River Trail provides scenic walking and cycling paths, and Petone's Jackson Street is a charming strip of boutique shops, vintage stores, and waterfront cafes that has become a popular weekend destination. Lower Hutt is also home to Weta Workshop—the special effects company behind The Lord of the Rings, offering studio tours. The Remutaka Rail Trail and nearby Rimutaka Forest Park provide easy access to nature.
Nearby Landmarks
Dowse Art Museum
Petone waterfront
Weta Workshop
Queensgate
Hutt River Trail
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | NZD $40-50 (~$24-30 USD) | 20-30 min | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | NZD $30-40 (~$18-24 USD) | 20-30 min | Budget-conscious, app users |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
Hutt Valley Line trains run from Wellington Station until approximately 11:30 PM. After that, taxis cost NZD $35-45 from the airport. Uber operates in the area but availability can be limited late at night in Lower Hutt.
Luggage Tips
Trains have luggage space near doorways. The Hutt Valley Line stations have platforms accessible from street level. If driving, the route via SH2 is straightforward with no tolls.
Accessibility
Metlink trains have wheelchair-accessible carriages with ramp boarding. Lower Hutt's central area is flat and accessible. Westfield Queensgate and the Dowse Art Museum are fully accessible. Petone's Jackson Street is flat and manageable.