Lower Hutt, east of Wellington, is surrounded on all sides by beautiful natural heritage, providing plenty of options for those who love exploring the outdoors. Book your stay with us at the Quality Hotel The Angus.
Less than 20 minutes away from the centre of Lower Hutt is Belmont Regional Park. This stunning, diverse park is criss-crossed by 10 walking tracks and also has great mountain biking and horse riding trails. For the history buffs, Belmont Regional Park is also home to a stunning multi-step waterfall at Korokoro Dam, plus ammunition stores from World War II and the original main coach road out of Wellington. It’s a big park, and with so much to choose from, it’s a good idea to plan your trip.
Matiu/Somes Island, the largest island in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour, is an easy day trip from Lower Hutt. East West Ferries depart regularly from Days Bay (about 20 minutes south of Lower Hutt) for Matui/Somes Island, where you can easily spend a day exploring, enjoying the views and learning about the island’s rich history: from continued use and importance to Māori tribes, to both human then animal quarantine station, to strategic military internment camps during both World Wars. Matiu/Somes Island is now being successfully restored to its original native state and is free from predators (rodents were cleared from the island in the 1990s). An easy walking track circumnavigates the island so you’ll be sure to see it all. Just make sure to pack enough food and water – there are no shops on the island.
For another great day trip, families should head out to Rimutaka Forest Park (a beautiful hour and half drive from Lower Hutt) and take the Orongorongo Track, the park’s most popular walking trail. This easy 5.2km track winds through the damp podocarp and broadleaf forests along the Catchpool Stream, before opening out into stands of beech as the track breaches the saddle between the valley and the river.
Apart from a wide variety of native trees and plants along the way, visitors can also take a dip at the Turere Stream swimming holes at the end of the track. The walk starts and ends at the Catchpool carpark and is about two hours one way. For something a little less taxing, take the 30 minute Catchpool Loop Walk, which starts just below the carpark.
More: Wolf down in Wellington
Accommodation in Lower Hutt, Wellingotn
If you’re looking for Lower Hutt accommodation central to all these activities and more, the Quality Hotel The Angus is an attractive option. With 75 rooms and suites, a welcoming reception, two excellent bars and a beautiful outdoor pool, all set amongst manicured formal gardens, this Lower Hutt accommodation option offers a wonderful setting to relax and unwind after all your walking and exploring.
All rooms have internet access, Sky TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and those on upper levels have a private balcony, while those below open onto the gardens. Parking is free, and it’s also right near Westfield Queensgate, for shopping and eating alternatives, making Quality Inn Angus a fantastic Lower Hutt accommodation option.
Organise Your Trip:
NSW School Holidays | VIC School Holidays | School Holidays QLD | SA School Holidays | NZ School Holidays
