A remote route through Kaimanawa Forest Park, running beside New Zealand Defence Force land from the Desert Road to where the Otamateanui Stream meets the Rangitikei River. It starts from a car park and signpost on State Highway 1 near the Desert Road summit, 42 km south of Tūrangi.
The route is poled as far as the bushline above the Otamateanui Stream. From there a marked track drops steeply through beech forest to the stream. Most of the route follows the army land boundary. It is a remote wilderness experience.
Dogs are allowed only with a permit from the Department of Conservation, which is obtained from the nearest DOC office. Other pets follow conservation land rules.