Distance: 4.2 km (2.5 DOC hours) - Marked route - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 232m to 1325m. Gain: 1093m. Loss: 3m . Gradient: 15 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7)

Marked route (6/9)
Uncut route, with markers normally within sight

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

Moderate (difficulty: 3/5)
Occasional moderate climbs

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

Alpine weather (difficulty: 2/7)
Tramp on open tops, exposed to alpine weather

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

From the 'Taipo Valley Access' signpost, an intermittently poled descent drops west-north-west (290 degrees) off the ridge, before sidling to the bushline. A good track then descends through first low fuscia before entering bush. Extensive mine workings are passed shortly before reaching the flats.

A 4wd track runs along the valley floor, and SH73 can be reached by turning right and following it 9km downriver. Turn left, however, to reach the historic but functional Dillons Homestead Hut 200m from the track junction. The newer Dillon Hut is 500m south of the historic hut along a marked route.