Altitude: 1318m to 1502m. Gain: 172m. Loss: 312m . Gradient: 9 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7) - Streams (2/6) Winter - Snow/ice underfoot (2/7)
North of Sparrowhawk the ridgeline sawtooths over a number of peaks.
2018 - Climb up the exposed slope north of the junction with Sparrowhawk, then from here head NE to avoid the majority of the leatherwood. A slip on the eastern face provides access to the top of the ridge. Climb up the left hand side, then part way up, across the face to the right where there is a well worn route. Once on top, work your way west around the small peaks to top Orupu. Tops are mostly tussock with interspersed leatherwood in places, but easy to negotiate. A final steepish climb through thick tussock leads to the unmarked Maropea highpoint.
At Maropea highpoint the ridge swings NE, and an unsignposted route joins from Maropea Forks hut to the west.