Imagine peering across Wellington Harbour. Mount Matthews dominates the eastern horizon. It is the highest peak in the Remutaka Range.
Mount Matthews stands tall. It reaches a height of 940 meters. While not exceptionally high, it has a distinctive aspect. The mountain can be seen on the skyline east of the city. It is a landmark for Wellingtonians.
Mount Matthews is a popular day hike. No mountaineering equipment is needed. However, it is a strenuous and steep climb. A full day should be allowed for the hike. This includes the time to access the ranges. Access can be from the Wairarapa side. You can also approach from the ōrongorongo River on the Wellington side.
New Zealand archaeologist George Leslie Adkin climbed Mount Matthews. He had an eye for the country. The species Rhypodes chinai is also native to Mount Matthews.
The trail boasts native plants. Nikau palms and kiekie vines are common. The park is lush. It features conifer-broadleaf and beech forests. Active pest management helps protect the area. You will see traps along the route. Kiwi birds live here. Dogs must be on leashes. It is better to leave them at home. Large rimu and miro trees are everywhere. Birdlife abounds here.
The trip up Mount Matthews is in three sections. Each section is roughly equal in distance. The first and third sections involve a nine-kilometer walk. Begin on the ōrongorongo Track. Follow it to the arch bridge over Turere Stream. Then follow Big Bend Track to Turere Lodge. From Turere Lodge, it is an easy half-hour walk to Whakanui Creek. Leave the track at Whakanui Creek. Cross the ōrongorongo River. This is passable unless in flood. Head for the first stream on the true left bank.
Matthews Stream is the first stream you encounter. The Mount Matthews Track starts on the true left bank of Matthews Stream. This is marked with a triangle. The stream is the last place to fill your water bottle.
The second section involves a 750-meter vertical ascent. After a ten-minute walk up the stream bed, the climb begins. It is a 400-meter ascent to the junction to South Saddle. A ten-minute deviation takes you to the saddle. It opens to great views. See the Wainuiomata Hills and Mukamuka Stream to Palliser Bay. Better views are from a clearing on the track. It is 100 meters above South Saddle. You can even see Wellington Harbour and the city’s skyscrapers.
Beyond the clearing is a very steep section. Soon you will be in cloud forest on the summit ridge. Lookouts offer views over Matthews Stream and North Saddle. The summit has been cleared. It provides a great vantage point. See Lake Onoke. Contrast Lake Wairarapa’s muddy brown shallows. Palliser Bay’s stunning blue depths will amaze you.
The way back is as you came. You can change things up. Follow the ōrongorongo River back to the arch bridge. It is a more direct route. The river crossings are welcome on a warm day. Turere Lodge stands like a beacon. You will easily spot the arch bridge. From here, it is an hour’s walk down the valley back to the car.
Mount Matthews is a significant day hike. It is not overly technical. The length is doable if you pace yourself. Listen for kiwi if you stay overnight in a hut.
Remember to respect this stunning natural environment. Leave no trace of your visit. Take only memories.