Crampon Pass is the lowest col near Taiaroa, marked as Pt 1953 metres on the topo maps.There is potential for cramped bivvy sites on the northern side of the col but the col itself catches the wind and has no available water supply.
Early in the season, with good snow cover, is now the only time Crampon Pass is anything like a feasible packing route. Glacial recession means the pass usually requires rock shoes rather than crampons, especially on the Korako side which requires a 50-metre-plus rock climb, crux grade 13. The descent to the Te Puoho Glacier may require an abseil late in the season. A better though longer alternative from upper Moraine Creek to the Te Puoho is to gain the Korako slabs and continue sidling past the Korako Lake outlet to reach Rainbow Lake.