3 minute read
Lower Hutt Must Do's
The Dowse Art Museum
Free entry to forward-thinking exhibits that have been known to include virtual reality. There is also a great gallery store. Open Tuesday- Sunday, 10am-5pm.
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Hetet Artspace
An emporium of Māori artwork, comprising the Hetet School of Māori Art, art studios and The Gallery, established to develop and promote traditional Māori arts.
Percy Scenic Reserve
A mere three minutes by car from the heart of Lower Hutt, find an unexpected garden area with picnic lawns, easy trails, a small cave and waterfall.
Motutawa Avalon Park
Dinosaur fans will love Colin the T-Rex, taking centre stage. Fill your day at the playground, with minigolf, the mini-road bike park, and in summer, trains or boats. They also have electric barbecues, so youwon’t go hungry.
Wildfinder Days Bay
Looking to explore the area by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or mountain bike? Head here for all your on-water/ off-road rentals. A 15-minute drive from Wainuiomata.
Seals
Wellington’s largest fur seal colony occupies Turakirae Head on the Wainuiomata Coast. Spied yearround, it’s most rewarding in winter, when up to 500 seals turn up here.
Turakirae Head
As well as seals, the other spectacle here is the craggy landscape. Over 7000 years, earthquakes have causedfive separate beaches to raise and reposition above the sea level.
FEATHERSTON
C’est Cheese - Artisan Cheese & Deli
A charming boutique cheese shop in Featherston that sells every imaginable flavour. A top place to stop for provisions while cycling the Remutaka Rail Trail.
Booktown
Bibliophiles listen up – Featherston is New Zealand’s only Booktown! Part of a global community of Booktowns, there are more bookshops per head in Featherston than anywhere else in Aotearoa. Literature lovers should keep an eye on the annual Booktown Festival, every May.
Fell Locomotive Museum
Located in Featherston. Home to a H199, the only locomotive of its type in the world and a myriad of niche exhibits relating to railway heritage. Open weekends 10am-4pm.
PETONE
Jackson Street
A lovely 20-minute walk from Lower Hutt, a trendy row of smart cafés, art galleries and boutique stores occupy this historic street. Don’t miss The Chocolate Story for superb artisan chocolates and devilishly good hot cocoa. The Dutch Shop will help you to fill up your picnic basket for the day.
Korokoro Dam
Popular with cyclists, families and dog walkers,this tranquil walkway is aloud with birdsong. There are various access points to this large park land but you’ll find notice boards highlighting the various pathways to help guide you.
Te Puna Wai Ora (The Spring of Life)
For something decidedly unique, taste all-natural spring water from this free fountain sitting on the corner of Buick and Jackson streets.
Petone Settlers Museum
An unexpected surprise along Petone's seafront. Housed in an historic building, this bijou museum details the region's past. Small from the outside, the exhibits are rich within.
Dowse Art Museum © Hutt City Council
