Hutt Valley line
Running north from Wellington, the Hutt Valley Line follows the Hutt River through a mix of city suburbs and green valley landscapes bordered by bush-covered hills. Originally opened in stages from the 1870s, it later became part of the modern Wellington commuter network. Electrified to Upper Hutt by the mid-1950s, the line remains a key route for daily travel, while also offering access to riverside parks, walking and cycling trails, and other outdoor spots throughout the valley.
The route follows the Hutt Valley north of Wellington, closely tracing the Hutt River as it passes through a blend of urban centres, parks, and open green spaces framed by steep, bush-clad hills. Along the journey, passengers can enjoy views of the river corridor and access to popular walking and cycling trails such as those in the Hutt River Trail network, with reserves and recreational areas dotted along much of the line. Opened in stages from the 1870s, the line was a key part of the former Wairarapa railway before the construction of the Rimutaka deviation. Today, the Hutt Valley Line operates as a core part of the Wellington metropolitan rail network, running from Wellington to Upper Hutt with frequent commuter services. The line was electrified to Taitā in 1953 and extended to Upper Hutt in 1955, and it continues to serve as a vital transport link for Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt communities while also providing easy access to the valley’s natural attractions.