There are only four roads into and out of the Hutt Valley: three are part of the state highway system, and the other, though a scenic drive, is single lane for much of its length.
By ship
The Dominion Post East by West Ferry runs several times a day between Queen's Wharf and Days Bay, Eastbourne. This is a great day trip. Restaurants, cafes, and destination shopping, lovely beach, boat hire, forest walks! The ferry will also take you to Somes/Matui Island in the middle of the harbour, another great day out with spectacular views of the city and environs.
By car
From Wellington, State Highway 2 travels along the Hutt Road from the Ngauranga Interchange to Petone and Lower Hutt.
From the Wairarapa, State Highway 2 travels over the Rimutaka Hill to Upper Hutt.
State Highway 2
travels the length of the Hutt Valley alongside the Hutt river. There are major intersections and bridges that provide ready access to most Hutt Valley suburbs. At most times of the day, this means it is about a half-hour trip from downtown Wellington to Upper Hutt, a distance of about 40 km. During rush hour, the journey can take an hour or more.State Highway 58
between the Paremata roundabout in Porirua travels over the Haywards hill and joins State Highway 2 at Manor Park, between Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. Moonshine Hill Road provides an alternative route from the foot of Haywards hill to State Highway 2 at the Moonshine Bridge in Upper Hutt.Akatarawa
road provides a scenic drive between Waikanae and Upper Hutt. The road is single lane for about 30 km, and may take an hour of cautious driving at 30-50 km/h, well below the 100 km/h speed limit. There are a number of places of interest along this road, including Staglands wildlife park.
By train
Suburban rail services between Wellington and Upper Hutt, run half-hourly for most of the day and night. Off-peak services, between 9.00AM and 3.30PM, have reduced fares. There are also all-day and week-end passes that will allow unlimited travel on all Wellington suburban rail services.
There are 3 lines to be aware of.
Hutt Valley
Line - Operates half-hourly most of the day, with express services at peak times. From Wellington services stop at Kaiwharawhara, Ngauranga, Petone, Ava, Woburn, Waterlooor Hutt Central, Epuni, Naenae, Wingate, Taita, Pomare, Manor Park, Silverstream, Heretaunga, Trentham, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt. All units stop at Waterloo, which is the main Lower Hutt station and a bus interchange. Express peak-time Upper Hutt units next stop is Taita, then all stations. Taita units stop at all stations in the lower valley. Transfers take place at Taita station.Melling Line
Operates Monday to Friday during the day only. Stops at all stations from Wellington to Petone then up a branch line to Western Hutt and Melling stations. This service provides the closest stop to the Lower Hutt city centre, which is 10-20 minutes' walk from these stations.Wairarapa
Connection - Operates daily morning and evening services. Stops at Petone, Waterloo and Upper Hutt, then all requested stations from Mangaroa, just before Hutt Valley the entrance to the Rimutaka Tunnel, through to Masterton in the Wairarapa. There is a minimum fare equivalent to a full fare Wellington - Upper Hutt trip on this service between any intermediate Hutt Valley Line stations, to discourage intra-Hutt Valley travel on this express service. Wairarapa travellers can transfer to the Hutt Valley Line at Upper Hutt, or be picked up or set down at Waterloo and Petone.
By bus
There is a regular bus service between Wellington and the Hutt Valley.
The Airport Flyer bus, which travels half hourly from the Wellington Airport, through central Wellington, is an express bus service. It stops at major bus stops only, including the Queensgate Lower Hutt bus interchange and travels as far as Upper Hutt Station. This service has space for luggage in the bus, by the front seats.
The Eastbourne bus travels from Courtenay Place in central Wellington to Eastbourne, on the other side of the harbour. Some buses travel via Jackson Street in Petone and via the Queensgate Lower Hutt bus interchange. At peak time there are express services direct to Eastbourne. Ask the driver before boarding if you are not certain.