Mt Matthews

This trail includes the peak Mount Matthews.

Mt Matthews is the tallest peak in the Rimutaka Ranges, the nearest to Wellington, and is pretty obvious for those that gaze across the harbour to the hills and mountains that dominate the eastern horizon.

The Forest Park is lush with conifer-broadleaf forest and beech forest higher up with active pest management from both government agencies and a strong volunteer network (you'll see plenty of traps of all descriptions along the route). Kiwi are in the area so there is a strict dogs on leashes ONLY policy in the park. Better to leave the dog at home. Large rimu, miro, etc are everywhere and depending on the weather you'll see and hear plenty of bird life.

The Orongorongo Valley has a huge number of huts, both private and public. The DOC huts can be fully booked out making them popular with families and groups. See the DOC Rimutaka Forest Park website for more details (http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/rimutaka-forest-park/).

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

The entrance gate to Catchpool Valley is open summer 6 am-8 pm; winter 6 am-6 pm.

Plenty of parking at the end of the road where the track starts, and even camping. Toilets and safe drinking water available here

23 km

30 minutes

Yes

No

Moderate.

Whilst most of the route is easy to navigate and you simply follow well marked tracks, the turn off up Matthews Stream can easily be missed if you're not paying attention. Heading up Matthews Stream is a route only and you need to follow the poles with the orange triangles. Keep looking out for the next one and you won't go wrong.

Very patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

Clean water available in the main car park. As Giardia is most likely in the park, it's best to carry some purification tablets for any additional top up's along the way. Last point to fill up before the big climb up Mt Matthews is at the sign post of the start of the track up Mt Matthews up the Matthews Stream.

Fine all year around. Will be colder as you climb up Mt Matthews than in the valley no matter what the season so make sure to take warmer layers even if it's scorching in the valley. Will have brief patches of snow on top during winter.

Be aware of the Orongorongo River. If it's raining, probably best to stay at home or do another run in the park.