Hutt Valley and Wellington Activities & Attractions

Being a guest lodge hotel close to both Wellington and Hutt Valley puts you close to a huge amount of attractions in the Greater Wellington region. Whether you are looking for Wellington accommodation for business or a holiday, this is the stop for you.

Please read our guest book for our Wellington motor lodge reviews.

Bowland Petone

With 20 automatic lanes and a huge range of other features, such as a café, bar, big screen TV, pool tables and gaming machines, Bowland provides great entertainment for all small and large groups – especially for birthdays and corporate functions.
9am – 12 midnight every day except Christmas.
www.bowland.co.nz

Days Bay Boatshed

Just next to the wharf in Days Bay, the Days Bay Boatshed is perfectly set up to cater to those who ant to explore and enjoy the great outdoors of Eastbourne. Whether its mountain biking to the lighthouse, messing around in a kayak on one of Wellington’s safest beaches or playing tennis, the Days Bay Boatshed has something for everyone.
www.daysbayboatshed.co.nz

HangDog Climbing Adventures

Specialists in every aspect of rock climbing. Challenge yourself with Wellington’s tallest indoor rock climbing wall, or by jumping down a cliff face, face first. Rest assured that HangDog can fulfil every rock climbing and adventure need.

They can also take customers to outdoor rock climbing, rap jumping, abseiling and canyoning adventures on sunny days.
www.hangdog.co.nz

JohNZ Tours

See all Wellington and Mt Victoria’s points of interest with a sightseeing tour. From wine trails in the Wairaparapa and the West Coast to seeing the Lindale park and many of our great local beaches. Able to take 4 passengers, they specialise in custom tours, often going the extra mile to ensure you have a great time.
www.johnztours.com

Staglands Wildlife Reserve and Licensed Cafe

Get a unique look into New Zealand’s natural heritage at Staglands, set amongst the scenic Akatarawa Valley and its beautiful bush. With 10 hectares of carefully created walkways, you can enjoy many native and introduced birds, trout and animals – and will be stunned by the natural surroundings. Not only are you given the chance to journey through and learn about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna, but you can even hand feed our wildlife.
www.staglands.co.nz

Wellington Zoo

Around 500 animals and over 100 species, come visit New Zealand’s first zoo! From critically endangered Sumatran tigers and Campbell Island teals to native New Zealand, you will be amazed by the range of animals.
www.nowhere.com

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

New Zealand’s innovative and bold national museum is recognised as a world leader in visitor-focused, interactive museum experiences.

Placed on the edge of Wellington harbour, Te Papa is designed to take advantage of the city views and waterfront vista. The museum also offers modern facilities for meetings, exhibitions and events.
www.tepapa.govt.nz

Wellington attractions at Petone, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Midway Pacifica Lodge in Petone is “midway” for Interislander ferry travellers and central to all of the attractions that the Wellington Region has to offer.

Petone, a suburb of Lower Hutt just to the northeast of Wellington City, extends along the foreshore of Wellington Harbour. Petone was the first European settlement in the Wellington Region and extends across all of the flat land at the mouth of the Hutt Valley, with spectacular harbour views from the Esplanade.

Petone, with its mix of quaint and historic residential streets, is centred around the Jackson Street shopping area with cafes, restaurants and trendy shops. Emphasis has been placed on the area’s early European heritage as a draw-card for tourists.

Petone attractions close to Midway Pacifica Lodge:

Midway Pacifica Lodge is ideally located close to the Jackson Street shopping area and near to all local amenities. Leave the car at the Motel and walk (5 minutes) to:

  • Trendy restaurants and cafes in Jackson Street for relaxed dining
  • Te Puna Wai Ora marks the unique artesian water fountain
  • The Petone Working Men’s Club for convivial hospitality
  • The Petone Recreation Ground and sports fields
  • The Hutt Valley Polytechnic (Weltec) for continuing education
  • The Petone Railway Station – ride the trains to Wellington and save on parking
  • Manuka Health Centre for a whole range of alternative therapies

Attractions that are 1-2 km from Midway Pacifica Lodge include:

  • Petone Esplanade, beach and wharf with fabulous views across Wellington Harbour to the city and airport.
  • Bowland Petone – twenty fully automatic lanes, bar, café, big screen TV, gaming and amusement machines, pool table. Open 9 am to 12 midnight, seven days.
  • Huia Pool – nationally acclaimed 25 metre indoor pool plus indoor children’s and teaching pool with a beached area, outdoor toddlers fun pool and playground.
  • Shandon Golf Course – a superbly presented and challenging par 70, 18-hole course with practice chipping and putting greens and practice fairways. Excellent Clubhouse facilities – Cafe, Bar, Pokies, Pro Shop and Resident Professional.
  • HangDog Indoor Climbing Centre – Climbing Centre with a 14 metre high indoor climbing wall, 10 lines of lead climbing anchors, a bouldering room, video and pinball games, and a pro-climbing shop.
  • Petone Settlers Museum – the Story House of Petone providing a window into the history of the people of the lower part of the Hutt Valley including interesting stories of migration and settlement.
  • The Dowse – is an art museum that is highly regarded both nationally and internationally with a constantly changing mix of exciting and innovative exhibitions.

Or ask your host Gail for her suggestions.

Further afield:

Why not spend the day in Wellington? The shopping is fabulous and there are always sales to interest the most discerning buyer. Or take the family to visit the Beehive and Parliament Buildings and the other historical buildings that make up New Zealand’s political capital. Perhaps a ride from Lambton Quay to Kelburn on the cable car. The view out over Central Wellington and the Harbour is magnificent. Walk back down through the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the tranquillity and views right in the centre of the city.

Children always enjoy a visit to the Wellington Zoo to see wildlife including lions, chimpanzee parks, and the kiwi house. If it is a wet day, take the whole family to Te Papa the National Museum of New Zealand or to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea on Wellington?s waterfront.

Other options include fishing (saltwater fishing from the Petone Wharf and brown trout in the Hutt River), Horse Trekking and 4-wheel Drive Tours or perhaps a lazy day at the beach – try Days Bay at Eastbourne.

Wellington is famous for its theatre and performing arts, street-side cafe’s entertainment and nightlife. Consult Wellington Events to see what is currently on offer.