Wanganui Tramping Club will make a rare visit to Rematch Forest Park over Queen's Birthday weekend.
Catchpool Valley, beyond Wainuiomata, is the most popular entrance to the park. Within Catchpool Valley are short walks and access to longer tramps via the Orongorongo Valley.
Beech forest dominates much of the park, joined by podocarps at lower altitudes. These forests support hundreds of indigenous plant species and provide habitat for a range of invertebrates, freshwater fish, reptiles and birds including reintroduced brown kiwi.
Though close to a large urban area, the park's good network of tracks offer an experience with a backcountry feel. The highest point is Mt Matthews at 941m.
Although are no public huts in the Orongorongo Valley, the six huts, and one fully equipped cabin at the road end, are available for exclusive hire. They are all equipped with mattresses, water, heating, toilets, and (except for Boar Inn) gas cookers, crockery, cutlery and cookware. All huts are locked and must be booked online in advance.