The Hutt Valley, located in the Greater Wellington region of New Zealand, sits just northeast of Wellington city (capital of New Zealand) and between two picturesque mountain systems densely covered in native bush and is divided into two main areas, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. The Hutt River (Te Awa Kairangi) flows through the valley and provides a stunning natural backdrop, offering recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors.
With rich history, the valley was originally inhabited by Māori tribes, one of the main tribes being ‘Te Āti Awa’ and later became a focal point for European settlement in the 19th century, contributing to the growth of Wellington that we see today.
Exploration and recreational activities:
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, with several parks and reserves such as Belmont Regional Park and Kaitoke Regional Park offering beautiful hiking trails and picnic spots. Or, the Rimutaka Forest Park, with its native wildlife and historic routes which is a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts. The Hutt River Trail is also popular for walking, cycling and running, stretching from Petone to Upper Hutt. For adventure seekers, the valley provides a range of activities such as mountain biking, kayaking and rafting on the Hutt River as well as opportunities for outdoor exploration in places like Wainuiomata.
Culturally, the valley is home to the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, which showcases contemporary art and hosts various community events and festivals that celebrate both local and international cultures.
The Hutt Valley has a variety of recreational establishments such as Brewtown and the NZCIS Sports Hub in Upper Hutt (a training centre for international sports teams as well as the region’s Super Rugby Side – the Hurricanes and our A-league football team – the Phoenix). There is also an Olympic-sized swimming pool at Naenae Pool & Fitness centre and the largest shopping mall in the Wellington region – the Queensgate shopping mall, in Lower Hutt. Among those, the Hutt Valley’s scenic landscapes are perfect for golf enthusiasts and is home to seven golf courses.
The Hutt as an economic and business hub:
Economically, the Hutt Valley is known for its contributions to New Zealand’s industrial and manufacturing sectors, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and innovation. There are a handful of prominent businesses and tech companies that operate here, making it a vital economic hub. The Hutt Valley has also emerged as a prominent hub for scientific research and innovation, boasting a significant concentration of scientists and receiving substantial investments in the field of scientific research. The region has experienced remarkable growth, with the number of scientists surpassing that of any other area in the country by more than 400%.
The Hutt Valley also hosts one of the region’s largest business awards, the 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards, an annual event that recognises business excellence. Woburn has been a major sponsor at this event over several years.
Living in the Hutt Valley:
The community offers diverse living options, from urban areas in Lower Hutt to more scenic and rural settings in Upper Hutt, making it an attractive area for families, with excellent schools and recreational facilities all in one place. The Hutt Valley is well-connected to Wellington via the Hutt Valley railway line and State Highway 2. The Valley caters for all forms of transport and offers easy commuting for everyone. People living in the Hutt Valley have easy access to public transport or are just a quick commute to Wellington.
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy and economic significance, the Hutt Valley stands out as a thriving and attractive community within the Wellington region.
Contact us
Please get in touch with any questions you may have to services@woburn.co.nz
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