Routes
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DOC Land
Altitude: 533m to 1484m. Gain: 970m. Loss: 19m . Gradient: 8 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7) - Streams (2/6)
A track climbs up through the bush above Parsons Creek and then heads south across rolling grass land to cross a bridge over Sawyers Creek. There is a cycle trail running parallel here as well and you might as well follow it if you prefer. At another bridge over Freehold Creek a sign points the way to the track up the true right which is the Te Araroa Trail. Climb up into open tussock land above the bush.
A snow pole will be reached which leads to more poles to the southwest with writing on it saying a faster way goes this way. This is referring to the Te Araroa trail. Don't follow the poles! Instead, cross the stream and look for a light ground trail which heads up the hill. There is an old sign maybe 100m up the hill which points the way to Dumb-bell lake. Follow the ground trail and occasional cairns up the hill, through bluffs and across a 2nd stream crossing to eventually climb into the upper basin of the north branch. The first tarn is soon reach with good camping above it to the north and east, and also at its head.