Distance: 2.6 km (2.0 DOC hours) - Marked route - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 629m to 1046m. Gain: 417m. Loss: 0m . Gradient: 9 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7) - Streams (2/6) Winter - Snow/ice underfoot (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

Streams (difficulty: 2/6)
Small streams, danger only in extreme weather

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

From the signposted turnoff at Eight Mile Creek, follow the old farm track up 8 mile creek, crossing after 150m and climbing to terrace where a private hut sits. Beyond the hut the route drops to a scrubby creek. From here, intermittent poles lead you through scrub up the true left of the sidecreek entering from the south. The old pack-track becomes more obvious as you climb onto the spur. The route is poled to Big Hill Saddle on a steady gradient.

1-2 hrs

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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