To the Upper Hutt's north-west is the Ahatarawa Valley and Ahatarawa Road which offer travellers a scenic route to Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast. For many years Harcourt Park has been a popular tourist attraction and was the filming location of Isengard Gardens in The Lord of the Rings.
Blueberries are grown in the area and can be picekd at The Bluebearry and Emu Farm and The Blueberry Farm and Bakehouse. Efil Doog Garden of Art, Moss Green Garden and Cottage Hill Herb Nursery appeal to many visitors and Staylands Wildlife Reserve is a popular family destination.
Akatarawa Forest and the surrounding ranges have many walking and tramping tracks, with opportunities for horse riding, mountain biking and trail bike riding.