Distance: 8.5 km (4.0 DOC hours) - Tramping track - Moderate-hard terrain
Altitude: 17m to 714m. Gain: 565m. Loss: 783m . Gradient: 9 deg (Moderate-hard)
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-hard (difficulty: 4/5)
Continuous moderate climbs

Moderate-hard (difficulty: 4/5)
Tall, walkable scrub / large rocks, occasional waterfalls or gorges in rivers

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

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

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

No description

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

Start from Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve and head up the well formed if rather dull Ridge Track to a lookout over the Pinnacles.

From here a decent track continues signposted to Te Kopi. At the junction turn right toward Washpool Hut, and follow a rough 4WD track uphill, which narrows to a tracking track. There are orange track markers but they can be challenge to find at times.

The track continues mostly upward to the highest point of the Aorangi Crossing at 722m. Where the track turns to the right, follow the short detour to the left to finally pop out of the bush for panoramic views, the only significant ones of the crossing.

From here is a steep and at times slippery descent to Washpool Hut.