I walked this track from Sunny Grove to the Orongorongo River then onto Papatahi hut with my 2 teenage children.

I'd walked it to the ridge before with my partner. It's a decent climb from Sunny grove to about 700m then back down steeply to the river. Perhaps best walked that direction as the end down to the river is steep.

It was a misty, windy, rainy day but there's a lot of shelter. You're mostly underneath the trees with occasional stunning views. Clearly marked track all the way. Lots of roots near the top but generally easy underfoot but a good climb, especially carrying a pack. But well worth it.

Reviewed almost 2 years ago and experienced in December 2020