Grade: Moderate – Difficult allow 40 minutes to an hour


This section is steep - climbing from 1400 up to 1600 metres above sea level (known as the devils staircase)  Take your time and  on a clear day the view down the valley and out across the surrounding countryside is well worth it!   You may even see Mt Taranaki, another volcanio on the western horizon. 

Take care as you are walking over layers of ancient and modern lava flows and other volcanic debits so the track surface is not smooth.    The track veers slightly to the left 5 minutes before reaching South Crater. To continue on the Crossing follow the marked route.