It is classified as a 'route' and in places is not marked at all; there are no bridges. Boots and experience at backcountry route-finding are recommended.

Mt Fyffe carpark to Kowhai Hut (4 hours). Most of the route is in the Kowhai riverbed; in places rock cairns mark short sections across the few riverflats.

Kowhai Hut to Hapuku Hut (6 hours). Kowhai Saddle (1153m) is visible from Kowhai Hut, to the north-east. Just above the hut follow cairns beside a side stream leading directly to the saddle. On the Hapuku side the route descends to the riverbed. Follow the river to Hapuku Hut, mostly on the true left through scrub.

Hapuku Hut to Grange Road (4 hours). Follow the Hapuku valley bed and banks for about 30 minutes. Look out on the true right side for a track which skirts the deep Hapuku Gorge. Below the gorge a combination of route and track follows the riverbed down to Grange Road.