This track, from the Waiomu Valley Road end, climbs steeply from sea level to 700m and shouldn’t be underestimated. The trail meanders through the forest following the stream – the track has recently been improved and bridges have replaced stream crossings.

Pass the disused Monowai goldmine battery and, further on, a mine shaft. The path climbs gradually before 200-odd steps lead you to a stand of beautiful kauri.

After this point the track changes into a tramping track, it climbs steeply and there are many tree roots to be negotiated. The kauri trees merge into a mixed native forest with hard beech, opodocarp, ferns, nikau, vines and epiphytes. It’s overgrown, with lots of fallen trees. Past the main range junction at 690m the going gets easier and you emerge from the forest as you walk through Crosbies Settlement, the site of a farm from 1880 to the 1970s.

Tramp on through low scrubby growth of grasses, ferns, gorse and manuka before a final blister-inducing incline takes you to Crosbies Hut. Crosbies Hut is a 10 bunker with pleasant views to Table Mountain in the south and Camelback Rock in the north.

On return, take the Te Puru Track through dense hardwood and podocarp forest. At first the track undulates, passing the highest point of 720m. Then a steep descent sees you scrambling over and under vines and rotten logs. When you hear the gurgle of the creek you,re nearly there. Cross the water three times before reaching the Te Puru Creek Road end.