In addition to the school's subjects, there is a wide number of extracurricular events and groups to join and participate in.

Drama productions and Musicals have been a long-standing event since 1926, ranging from 'Oklahoma' and 'Oh, It's a Lovely War' "don the Roof" in 2007.

A wide range of sporting pursuits are part of the school's tradition and success continues in local and national competitions.

The local Tararua mountains have been explored by many groups from the school as part of the Tramping Club and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

[citation needed] Hutt Valley High School built two new facilities catering to Physical Education, Art and Drama.

The first caretaker, Mr. H. J. M. Stirling, died while in the school's employ, and a sundial for his memorial was unveiled by the then Prime Minister and local MP for Lower Hutt, Walter Nash.

He represents the school's reputation for scholarship and the many academic honours that past pupils have been awarded over its history.

[citation needed] In the 1930s, girls were expected 'by voluntary labour, to keep the flower beds in order' and boys planted trees and had the opportunity to join the Cadet Company, which involved rifle drill parades and provided the guard of honour at the opening of the nearby Riddiford Baths.

The 1940s saw the building of air-raid shelters in the grounds and the effects of polio outbreaks with the early closure of the school for the year in 1947.

After the closure of the Petone Memorial College in 1998, its pupils were incorporated into Hutt Valley High School, which greatly increased the roll.

[citation needed] Chapman justified his decision to simply stand down the students, because it was not a violent act.