Using public transport
Lower Hutt has a good public transport network consisting of buses, trains and ferries. Most transportation caters for those with a disability. Bus, train and ferry timetables and fares are available at the Hutt City Council, the Hutt City i-SITE Visitor Centre, information desk at Westfield Queensgate, online at www.metlink.org.nz or by calling 0800 801 700.
Daily bus services operate throughout Lower Hutt and between Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Wellington. Bus tickets can be purchased on the bus, from the driver. You can travel on the buses using a pre-paid Snapper card available at many retail outlets. The card costs $10 and you can put as much as $300 on it at any time. For more information visit www.snapper.co.nz
Monthly bus passes and Hutt Plus tickets for buses and trains are available at the Waterloo Train Station. For all timetables and fares visit www.metlink.org.nz or call 0800 801700.
Shuttle buses and taxis offer airport pick up and drop off. The fares vary depending on your destination. To find out more about shuttle buses and taxis call 385 5100 or visit www.wellingtonairport.co.nz
For a cheaper option, the Airport Flyer bus is the express bus service which travels from Wellington Airport through the Wellington CBD to the Hutt Valley and return.
Catch a train
There are trains that run through the Hutt Valley and connect Wellington with the Wairarapa. The Wellington train service is operated by Tranz Metro. For information on routes, timetables and fares please check www.tranzmetro.co.nz or call 0800 801 700.
Take a taxi
All taxis in New Zealand must belong to a taxi company. They operate 24 hours a day and set their own fares. Fares are charged based on distance and the amount of time the journey takes. For a list of taxi companies in the Hutt Valley visit www.yellowpages.co.nz and put "Taxis" in the "What" field and "Hutt Valley" in the "Where" field.
Ferry services
There is a regular East by West Ferry service between Queens Wharf, Matiu (Somes) Island, Days Bay and Seatoun Wharf. In addition, during the weekends, the ferry company's Harbour Explorer Tours include a stop at Petone. For more information visit eastbywest.co.nz or call 494 3393.
The Bluebridge ferry and the Interislander ferries provide several trips daily between Wellington and Picton in the South Island. For more infomation visit www.bluebridge.co.nz. For more information visit www.interislander.co.nz or call their free phone 0800 802 802.
For all transport timetables check www.metlink.org.nz or call 0800 844 844.
Walking, cycling and carpooling
Walking and cycling
Plan your cycling and walking trip online at www.journeyplanner.org.nz. You will find detailed directions, information and points of interest in the Hutt Valley, the weather status, how hilly your walk or ride will be, and even how many calories you will burn while taking your trip.
Please note wearing a helmet and having lights at night on your bike is the law in New Zealand.
Carpooling
Driving – rules, licences and buying a car
Before you start driving, there are a few things you need to know and do.
- Drive on the left hand side of the road
- Never drink and drive
- Everyone in a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt
- Speed limits vary - on the motorway (100 kph) and around the city (50kph)
For an overview of New Zealand road rules visit www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/new-resident-drivers/.
Driver’s Licence
To drive in New Zealand, a person must be 15 years old and have a driver’s licence. In New Zealand you get your driver’s licence in three stages:
- A learner licence
- A restricted licence
- A full licence
If you have a valid or current overseas driver’s licence or international driving permit, you can drive using this permit for a maximum of 12 months from the date of your arrival in New Zealand. However, if your licence is not in English, you must carry an accurate translation.
You must apply in person for a driver’s licence with New Zealand Transport Agency:
- Automobile Association - visit www.aa.co.nz/ or call 0800 500 222
- Vehicle Inspection New Zealand - visit www.vinz.co.nz/ or call 0800 468 469
- Vehicle Testing New Zealand - visit www.vtnz.co.nz/ or call 0800 88 88 69
To find out more about getting a New Zealand driver’s licence and full details of the New Zealand Road Code, visit www.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 822 422.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs and New Zealand Transport Agency also provide information and advice when you are considering buying a car:
Warrant of Fitness
It is a legal requirement that your car must have a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) - a compulsory safety inspection carried out by an approved garage or a testing station. For Wellington agents, check www.yellowpages.co.nz under "Warrant of Fitness & Testing Stations".
Car registration and licensing
Registration and licensing of vehicles are two terms often confused. Both are about getting permission to drive your vehicle on New Zealand roads. But:
- Registration is generally a one-off process that identifies you as the person legally responsible for your vehicle
- Licensing is the regular process through which you pay to use your vehicle on public roads
For details of registering and licensing your car, visit www.nzta.govt.nz.
Parking in the city
There is paid parking available throughout central Hutt City. Charges vary, with the more expensive car parks in central locations.
How do I find out more about car parking?
For more information on parking charges and parking laws in Hutt City, look it up on our parking page.
To be safe, when parking at any park or tourist area, remember to lock your car and don’t leave your valuables in the car.
