Distance: 4.9 km (3.0 DOC hours) - Marked route - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 683m to 819m. Gain: 449m. Loss: 481m . Gradient: 11 deg (Gentle)
Skills:

Marked route (6/9)
Uncut route, with markers normally within sight

Primary, unmapped (2/5)
Route not on maps, but is principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Gentle (difficulty: 2/5)
Gentle slopes

Easy-moderate (difficulty: 2/5)
Tussock / river-gravel / open bush / cut track

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

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

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

From Pakoakoa Hut head west & back to the main ridge track (100m). Turn right (north) & continue following yellow 'trap line' triangles along a well travelled track/ trap line. Numerous highpoints & saddles are crossed, including pt 818, Oueari (pt. 831), & pt 770 before reaching a track junction 100m east of pt. 734. Note: several trap lines branch off the main ridge so take care to remain on the main ridge (marked MR). Note: a major track (not marked on maps) crosses at the saddle north of Oueari (pt. 831) so take care. 100m east of pt. 734 is a track junction to descend to Mosens Hut.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From the track junction 100m east of pt734, a well-work track/trapline runs south along the main ridge. Countless highpoints and saddle follow, with several traplines branching off the main ridge. Stick to the route marked 'MR' or 'Main Ridge; and you'll remain on the main ridge south. A major track (not on maps) crosses at the saddle north of Oueari.

At the unnamed highpoint between pt818 and pt811 two yellow triangles mark a track junction, signposted (on the yellow traingles) 'To Hut'. A short, gentle descent drops east before swinging north into a small basin where Pakoakoa Hut sits in a clearing. The hut is a staff hut and may be locked or occupied by contractors, but the water tank and picnic table should be accessible.