Matthews, Mt
As you look east from many parts of Wellington, Mt Matthews appears as the highest point in the Rimutaka ranges. Although the summit doesn’t have 360 degree views, there are still good views to be had on the way up. The tramp itself is great for getting the heartrate going, with a pretty steep scramble section. If you live in Wellington, bagging Mt Matthews is a must – otherwise you must constantly look at it in knowledge you haven’t bagged it!
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 941 m (3,087 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Wellington |
| Location Coordinates | 41° 21′ 6″ S, 175° 0′ 52″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Wellington
|
| Range | Rimutaka |
| Geology | Sedimentary |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
1-2 days (return) |
| Distance | 22.66 km (14.1 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Catchpool Valley carpark |
| Difficulty |
Hard |
| Track conditions |
Path, Track, Swingbridges, Scramble, Mud, Steep embankments, Stream/River Crossings |
| Season |
Seasons Explained All year (spring/summer/autumn recommended) |
| Sights | Forest , Rimutaka Forest Park |
| Hazards | Mist , Occasional snow, steep grade, rivers |
Getting There
By Car
To reach Mt Matthews you travel via Wainuomata and down to the Catchpool Valley. From SH2, exit at Petone and follow the signs over the Wanuiomata hill. Once in Wainuiomata, head straight past the shops and on to Main Rd. Follow Main Rd until it turns into Coast Rd, and then continue on for about 8km, until you reach the left hand turn off to Rimutaka Forest Park.
Continue in to the park, past the information centre, all the way to the roadend carpark.
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Matthews, Mt in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
Mt Matthews can be bagged by walking along the Orongorongo track until you reach the Orongorongo river. Once you reach the river you can take the Big Bend track northeast to Baines Hut, however easier walking is had by simply walking up the riverbed.
Unless you are up for a very long 23km daywalk, you will want to stay overnight in one of the huts, or perhaps camp in one of the spots on the rivers edge.
The track from the Orongorongo River up to the summit of Mt Matthews starts through a muddy section before climbing steeply upwards, and on to the summit.
For more detailed description of the Mt Matthews tramp, visit the DOC Mt Matthews page.
An alternative, shorter and less steep option is to follow ribbon markers up Goat stream and up to the South Saddle.
Warning
Although the Rimutaka Forest Park is located near to Wellington city, most tracks here are of tramping standard, and are not easy city day walks. Lives have been lost in the Rimutaka Forest Park, and you should take suitable clothing and equipment, including maps and warm clothing. The river can also flood from time to time.
Height Profile
