This was the most demanding section of Mangatapu Track with two climbs gaining and losing 450m on each.
It began as a steep zigzag that went up a crumbling spur to the north west ridge, up and over then a sidle down to a creek. Only to then to immediately climb again to Knuckle Peak south western side. Fantastic views across the Motatapu Valley.
This is a tramp that is rewarding with shorter days to relax at each hut to enjoy each valley. I will return and do this again, it suits my style of tramping, ie arriving at camp early afternoon.
