Lower Hutt punches above its weight for bowling. The Hutt Valley has one of the Wellington region’s biggest tenpin entertainment centres, plus a cluster of lawn bowls clubs — including one with a world-class indoor arena that hosts national and international finals.
Whether you want a family day out, a competitive league, or a club to learn the game, here’s where to bowl in Lower Hutt.
Tenpin Bowling in Lower Hutt
Lower Hutt’s tenpin scene centres on a large, modern entertainment complex in Alicetown that combines bowling with laser tag, arcade gaming and a bar.
Strike Entertainment Centre
- Where: 399 Hutt Road, Alicetown, Lower Hutt 5012
- Lanes: 18 automatic lanes (glow-light, with video screens and music)
- Food & drink: Full menu — snacks, mains, pizza, platters — and a licensed bar
- Also: Lazer Strike laser tag, 50+ game arcade, pool tables, R18 gaming lounge; party, function and private-hire packages; hosts tenpin tournaments (Hutt Valley Open, Strike Champs, NTC Trials); open Mon from 12pm, Tue–Sun from 10am
- Web: strikenz.co.nz · Phone: 04 568 3168 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of Strike Entertainment Centre.
Strike’s details are confirmed via its own website; ID is required to purchase alcohol. Pricing and hours can change, so check before a visit.
Lawn Bowls Clubs in Lower Hutt
The Hutt Valley has a strong lawn bowls scene, with clubs ranging from a nationally significant tournament venue to friendly local greens. Several have synthetic or indoor greens for year-round play. Below is a selection of the area’s clubs.
Naenae Bowls (Naenae Bowling Club)
- Where: 25 Vogel Street, Naenae, Lower Hutt 5011
- Greens: 4 greens — 3 outdoor natural greens plus a world-class indoor arena (can host up to 264 players)
- Members & play: A leading NZ venue; hosts several Bowls Wellington and Bowls New Zealand events each year, including the Bowls3Five National Interclub Finals and the Bowls Wellington Finals Weekend, and staged the World Bowls Champion of Champions Singles in 2022 and 2023 (events live-streamed)
- Also: Community hub shared with Taita RSA, petanque and more; on-site Strike & Dine bistro, full bar (open 364 days), 12 gaming machines, TAB, darts; private functions; good parking
- Web: naenaebowls.nz · Phone: 04 567 5823 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of Naenae Bowls.
Petone Central Bowling Club
- Where: Roxburgh Grove, Petone, Lower Hutt 5046
- Greens: Synthetic green — all-year play
- History: Formed in 2008 from the merger of the Petone Bowling Club (1897) and Central Bowling Club (1917); the only bowling club in the Petone area
- Members & play: New members welcome; named Bowls Wellington Club of the Year (2022–2023)
- Also: Near tennis, rugby, cricket facilities and the Petone Working Men’s Club
- Web: petonecentral.co.nz · Phone: 04 568 6344 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of Petone Central Bowling Club.
Hutt Bowling Club
- Where: Lower Hutt (central Hutt City) [full address TBC]
- Greens: [TBC]
- Members & play: A friendly, inclusive club right in Hutt City; welcomes new and social members
- Also: Easy access and parking
- Web: [TBC] · Phone: [TBC]
Read our review of Hutt Bowling Club.
This is a selection of Hutt Valley clubs affiliated with Bowls Wellington, not a complete list — others include Eastbourne and Wainuiomata. Find the full directory and current contacts at bowlswellington.com.
Recommended For
- Best for families & kids: Strike Entertainment Centre — bowling plus laser tag and a big arcade, with birthday-party packages.
- Best for a night out: Strike’s glow-light lanes, bar and R18 gaming lounge.
- Best for groups & work functions: Strike runs function and private-hire packages; Naenae’s bistro and bar also cater for events.
- Best for serious lawn bowls & improving: Naenae Bowls, a national-level venue with an indoor arena for year-round play and top competition.
- Best for all-weather lawn bowls: Petone Central’s synthetic green and Naenae’s indoor arena both allow play in any weather.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Booking: Book Strike ahead for weekends, evenings and school holidays — it’s a popular birthday-party spot.
- Parking & transport: Strike is on Hutt Road in Alicetown, a short drive from central Wellington and well served by public transport; the bowls clubs have on-site parking.
- R18: Strike has an R18 gaming lounge and requires ID for alcohol purchases.
- All-weather play: Naenae’s indoor arena and Petone Central’s synthetic green keep lawn bowls going through winter.
- Lawn bowls: Clubs welcome newcomers and usually provide bowls — phone ahead, especially at Naenae when national events are on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go tenpin bowling in Lower Hutt? Strike Entertainment Centre at 399 Hutt Road, Alicetown, is the Hutt Valley’s main tenpin venue, with 18 lanes plus laser tag, arcade games and a bar.
Does Lower Hutt have lawn bowls clubs I can join? Yes — including Naenae Bowls (a national-level venue with an indoor arena), Petone Central (synthetic green, all-year play) and Hutt Bowling Club (central, friendly). All welcome new members.
Where do top lawn bowlers play in Lower Hutt? Naenae Bowls hosts Bowls New Zealand and Bowls Wellington finals and has staged the World Bowls Champion of Champions Singles — its indoor arena is among the best in the country.
Where can I bowl on a rainy day in Lower Hutt? Strike Entertainment Centre is fully indoor. For lawn bowls, Naenae’s indoor arena and Petone Central’s synthetic green allow play in any weather.
Is Strike good for kids’ parties? Yes — it offers bowling, laser tag and arcade packages popular for birthdays; booking ahead is recommended.