Distance: 5.3 km (3.5 DOC hours) - Tramping track - Moderate terrain
Altitude: 414m to 753m. Gain: 627m. Loss: 800m . Gradient: 16 deg (Moderate)
Skills:

Tramping track (4/9)
Cut, marked tramping track: natural, rough ground surface

Primary, mapped (1/5)
Formal route, on maps, principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Moderate (difficulty: 3/5)
Occasional moderate climbs

Moderate (difficulty: 3/5)
Low scrub in open or bush / river rocks

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

None (difficulty: 1/6)
No unbridged river crossings

Unknown (difficulty: 0/7)
Not specified

No description

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

Head up hill behind the hut, climb further than it would seem you need to from the map and look out for the old sign where the sidle track angles off up valley. A well established route with old markers continues up the spur and people have been known to miss the start of the sidle track proper. From the turn off the sidle track is typical of the area with heaps of seemingly pointless ups and downs before finally dropping down the open spur to Arete Forks. It is usually open enough and easy to follow the markers but it will depend on how long it has been since it was last cut. Side streams will be a problem in heavy rain.
Much the same time either way. During low flows the river can be a sensible option for experienced river travelers, especially when descending, with only a few deep wades or swims required.