Distance: 3.1 km (1.5 DOC hours) - Marked route - Moderate terrain
Altitude: 1211m to 1326m. Gain: 143m. Loss: 159m . Gradient: 6 deg (Moderate)
Skills: Alpine weather (2/7) 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

Moderate (difficulty: 3/5)
Low scrub in open or bush / river rocks

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

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

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

The track south along the main range from the top of Herricks Spur is poled, but often lacking any form of ground trail. In places it runs along the western face on the top of gravel slips, but more often it crosses tall tussock/low scrub tops - stumbling and staggering.

After 1km the track starts to climb SW and enters beech forest. From here things improve. A well cut, well marked track follows the ridgeline SE then south over a series of peaks and saddles.

The turnoff to Sentry Box hut via Golden Crown is obvious and marked with a signpost.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

No description