Last updated November 2026
The Mt Matthews track climbs the tallest peak in the Remutaka Range, at 941 m, and the nearest to Wellington. DOC grades it Advanced and allows 11–12 hours return from the Catchpool Valley car park, describing it as a tough climb for fit trampers and a long day walk or overnight tramp.
The route follows the Ōrongorongo and Big Bend tracks about 9 km to Matthews Stream, where the Mt Matthews Track begins. A grassy plateau below the summit gives spectacular views of Wellington Harbour.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mt Matthews on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Catchpool Valley car park; Mt Matthews Track begins at Matthews Stream, about 9 km in
- Distance from the city
- About 18 km from Wellington
- Walking time
- 11–12 hours return
- Track length
- About 9 km to Matthews Stream, then the climb to the summit (DOC gives no total length; check DOC)
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Huts nearby
- Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut (DOC, bookable)
- Summit
- Mt Matthews, 941 m
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (reroute at Jacob’s Ladder on the Ōrongorongo Track used to reach it). Check DOC before you go.
About Mt Matthews
Start on the gentle Ōrongorongo Track for about 5 km, then descend to the arched bridge over Tūrere Stream to the Ōrongorongo River. Walk up the river bed or the Big Bend Track for another 4 km, about an hour, to Matthews Stream, marked with a large orange triangle.
A poled route crosses back and forth over the stream for about 600 m to the start of the Mt Matthews Track on the true left.
The track then climbs steeply, past the South Saddle/Mukamuka Track, onto a grassy plateau with spectacular views of Wellington Harbour and the lower Wainuiomata Valley. The summit itself is forested, but gaps in the trees reveal Palliser Bay and the Wairarapa Plains.
The vegetation changes as you climb: nīkau and kiekie first, then open red beech forest and pockets of rimu, miro and kāmahi. The final steep face leads to a narrow ridge of moss-covered silver beech.
DOC points out evidence of the earthquakes that have lifted the range over the last 12 million years. The most recent, in 1855, measured about eight on the Richter scale and raised the Remutaka Range by around three metres.
Huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley
Two DOC huts sit near the Big Bend Track. Tūrere Lodge is a serviced 32-bunk hut with four sole-occupancy bunk rooms, and Haurangi Hut is a serviced 10-bunk hut booked by one group at a time.
DOC says both are locked and must be booked online in advance; you get the access code after booking. Backcountry Hut Passes and tickets cannot be used at Haurangi Hut. Check the DOC hut pages for current fees and availability.
Planning Your Trip
This is a long, demanding trip; DOC describes it as a long day walk or overnight tramp. Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry warm clothes, food, water and good walking boots. DOC notes that the Catchpool Valley gates close at the end of the day, so plan your return time.
The route can follow the Ōrongorongo River bed, and DOC’s hut pages advise against the riverbed route, with its river crossings, when the river is in flood or after heavy or sustained rain; the Big Bend Track avoids those crossings. If in doubt, wait for the river to drop or change your plans.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had alerts for the Ōrongorongo Track, which this route follows for about 5 km: a section at Jacob’s Ladder “has been rerouted due to the risk of an imminent collapse”, and DOC says the reroute is well signposted and is a temporary tramping track with some large, unformed steps. Jacob’s Ladder is about five minutes before the curved bridge when coming from Catchpool.
A separate alert said a large tree has fallen across the Ōrongorongo Track; DOC says it “can be passed but you may need to duck under it”.
DOC also had an alert for the Remutaka Forest Park area: ungulate (goat, deer and pig) control in parts of the park from 10 August 2026 to 30 June 2027, including aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs. Check DOC’s operation area map to see whether it covers your route.
Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans. Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan and share your trip.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mt Matthews: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Remutaka Forest Park: park overview, dog access areas, hunting rules and other entrances to the park.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Mt Matthews?
DOC allows 11–12 hours return from the Catchpool Valley car park.
How high is Mt Matthews?
DOC gives it as 941 m, the tallest peak in the Remutaka Range.
Where does the Mt Matthews Track start?
At Matthews Stream, about 9 km from the Catchpool car park via the Ōrongorongo and Big Bend tracks.
Can I do it overnight?
DOC describes it as a long day walk or overnight tramp. Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut nearby must be booked in advance.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced and says it is a tough climb suited to fit trampers.
Are dogs allowed?
On a leash. DOC lists the Mt Matthews track as dogs on a leash only.
What time do the Catchpool gates close?
DOC says the Catchpool Valley gates close at the end of the day. Check the DOC page for details.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.