Distance: 2.1 km (1.5 DOC hours) - Tramping track - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 608m to 1333m. Gain: 0m. Loss: 725m . Gradient: 21 deg (Moderate-hard)
Skills: Winter - Snow/ice underfoot (2/7)

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-hard (difficulty: 4/5)
Continuous moderate climbs

Easy-moderate (difficulty: 2/5)
Tussock / river-gravel / open bush / cut track

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

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

Snow/ice underfoot (difficulty: 2/7)
Snow/ice likely on track

A steep but well cut track drops down a broad spur towards the plains below and Sentry Box Hut. Initially mature beech, becoming narrow and rocky at Rocky Knoll, then steep and greasy through regenerating bust for the final 300m descent to the hut.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

The track up to Rocky Knoll from Sentry Box hut is steep, bare and greasy after rain, climbing the first 300m through regenerating low bush. At rocky knoll the spur becomes narrow and, well - rocky. Easier going on stable ground, leading later to mature bush and a good broad spur as the track continues its steep climb to the ridgeline.