Last updated October 2026
Belmont is a residential suburb of Lower Hutt on the west bank of the Hutt River, about 17 km north of central Wellington along State Highway 2. It sits across the river from the main Lower Hutt centre and climbs into the western hills that form the edge of Belmont Regional Park.
The area mixes quiet streets, native bush pockets and easy access to riverbank paths and hill tracks. Visitors and residents use it as a base for outdoor time while remaining close to Hutt Valley services and Wellington commuting routes. The suburb falls under Hutt City Council and the Western electoral ward.
Practical Information
- Ward or local board
- Western Ward (Hutt City Council)
- Getting there
- State Highway 2 / Western Hutt Road is the main route. Metlink buses including route 150 (Kelson–Lower Hutt–Maungaraki–Petone) serve the area; school buses also run. Nearest train stations on the Hutt Valley Line are a short distance away at Naenae and Waterloo; Melling serves the wider western side.
- Main shopping
- Local convenience options within Belmont; major retail and services at Lower Hutt city centre and Queensgate Shopping Centre across the river.
- Schools
- Belmont School (state primary, Years 1–6)
- Nearby landmarks
- Belmont Regional Park, Belmont Recreation Reserve / Belmont Domain, Hutt River and riverbank trails, Kennedy Good Bridge area
About Belmont
Belmont occupies the western side of the lower Hutt Valley, with State Highway 2 running through the lower part of the suburb and residential streets rising into the hills.
The Hutt River forms its eastern edge, while the bush-clad slopes of Belmont Regional Park define much of the western boundary. This setting gives many properties outlooks over the valley or into native bush and provides direct walking access into the regional park.
The suburb developed from earlier rural and picnic-ground use into a residential area serving Lower Hutt and Wellington. Historic Belmont Picnic Grounds once drew day-trippers to the riverside and domain area.
An earlier school existed in the nineteenth century before the present Belmont School opened later. The name Belmont was applied to the wider western hills district; later subdivision of nearby Normandale clarified the modern suburb boundaries.
Today Belmont is a settled residential neighbourhood with a mix of housing styles, local reserves and strong outdoor connections. It remains part of Lower Hutt City rather than Wellington City, yet its position on the main northern corridor makes it a practical base for people working or studying in either centre. Native bush, river access and the large regional park next door shape daily life and weekend recreation.
Getting Around
State Highway 2 (Western Hutt Road) is the primary road link south toward Petone and Wellington and north toward Upper Hutt. Local streets such as Hill Road, Major Drive, Owen Street and Redvers Drive serve the residential pockets and reserves.
Metlink bus route 150 provides regular connections through the western hills suburbs to Lower Hutt, Petone and beyond. School bus services support Belmont School and other Hutt Valley schools. Train travel uses the Hutt Valley Line stations on the eastern side of the river or Melling on the western side, with short bus or car links from Belmont.
Getting Outdoors
Belmont’s defining outdoor asset is its border with Belmont Regional Park, a large area of farmland, regenerating bush and ridgelines managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Entrances on the Hutt Valley side give access to walking, running, mountain-biking and horse-riding tracks ranging from short strolls to longer ridge traverses with harbour and valley views.
Within the suburb itself, Belmont Recreation Reserve and Belmont Domain offer open space, tennis courts and riverbank connections. Sections of the Hutt River western bank are designated for dog exercise (with some prohibited zones at the south end of the recreation reserve). The river trail network links Belmont to other Hutt Valley destinations for walking and cycling.
History and Heritage
The wider Belmont hills area saw early European settlement and road-building. The Old Belmont to Pāuatahanui Road, constructed in the early 1870s, was an important horse-era link between the Hutt Valley and the west coast and is recognised by Heritage New Zealand. Picnic grounds operated beside the river in the early twentieth century and were a popular outing spot.
A railway station on the former western-side Hutt Valley line served the area until the line was realigned and the station closed. The modern suburb grew with post-war residential expansion while retaining green corridors and park edges that continue to define its character.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia: Belmont, Wellington: Overview of the suburb’s location, history, school and setting beside Belmont Regional Park.
Hutt City Council dog exercise areas: Official map and rules for Belmont Recreation Reserve, Redvers Drive Reserve and Hutt Riverbank access.
Belmont Regional Park on NewZealand.com: Practical information on tracks, mountain biking, camping and park entrances adjoining the suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belmont part of Wellington City or Lower Hutt?
Belmont is a suburb of Lower Hutt City under Hutt City Council. It lies roughly 17 km from central Wellington and is commonly reached via State Highway 2.
What ward is Belmont in?
Belmont is in the Western electoral ward of Hutt City Council.
How do I get to Belmont by public transport?
Metlink bus route 150 serves the western hills including Belmont. The Hutt Valley Line train stations at Naenae and Waterloo are nearby on the eastern side of the river; Melling station serves the western corridor.
What school is in Belmont?
Belmont School is a co-educational state primary school for Years 1 to 6. Its home zone covers much of Belmont and parts of neighbouring areas.
Is Belmont good for outdoor activities?
Yes. The suburb borders Belmont Regional Park with walking, running, mountain-biking and horse-riding tracks. Local reserves and the Hutt River bank provide additional open space and paths.
Can I take my dog to reserves in Belmont?
Belmont Recreation Reserve (Owen Street to Belmont Domain) and Redvers Drive Reserve are listed dog exercise areas. The south end of Belmont Recreation Reserve is a prohibited area. Check current Hutt City Council rules and any river algae alerts.
Where is the main shopping for Belmont residents?
Day-to-day needs can be met locally; larger shopping, services and entertainment are at Lower Hutt city centre and Queensgate Shopping Centre across the Hutt River.
What is Belmont Regional Park?
It is a large regional park of bush, farmland and ridgelines between the Hutt Valley and Porirua, administered by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Several entrances are accessible from the Belmont side of the hills.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.