After Pourangaki Hut, we headed back up to the tops, heading north to Iron Peg and the Hikurarangi Range. The pooled track got rather precarious in places, and after the weather closed in, it got both dangerous and confusing. We headed north down a ridge and realised we had turned north too soon, but we were now below the mist and realised we could head for Waterfall Hut to get warm and dry. The next day all we had to do was follow the Kawhatau River to Crow.

Luckily the river bed made a good route. Crow hut was identical to all the huts (except Rangiwahia), but was a welcome sight. After Crow, we headed over Rongatea (nice tarn) and to catch up a day, we followed the Waikamaka River, saving a few hills as well. It wasn't a difficult decision, as our boots were wet and we had got the hang of following a river!