Distance: 2.1 km (1.5 DOC hours) - Tramping track - Moderate terrain
Altitude: 614m to 1007m. Gain: 425m. Loss: 99m . Gradient: 14 deg (Moderate)
Skills:

Tramping track (4/9)
Cut, marked tramping track: natural, rough ground surface

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

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

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

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

A scrubby, roughly cut, marked track climbs from the end of leatherwood road to Poutaki Highpoint before descending to Poutaki Hut.

From the roadend the track drops briefly to the small creek, before climbing onto a narrow spur which it follows to the tops. The ground is dry and stony and vegetation a mix of scrub and pines. An interesting contrast to the verdant Ruahines nearby. On the ridge, the gradient lessens track swings NW to the mast and highpoint, sometimes sidling the eastern face. Sections of track are badly marked. From the mast the track drops east through manuka scrub onto a long grassy chute. Poutaki Hut sits at the base of this.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

No description