Diedrichs Range Traverse

From below Squall Peak, sidle through basins east of Jumble Top. Some looking around will be necessary to bypass bluffs, particularly on the south side of Jumble Creek but routes exist. The range itself at the top of this bluffline is also steep and exposed. An alternative bypass exists via upper Diedrichs Creek and a fork at 1140 metres, returning to the range just north of Pt 1610 metres. More detail can be found if needed on remotehuts.co.nz.
So long as the weather is fine, the range is now easily traversed over Mt O’Connor to Pt 1718 metres. Bert Cropp and D Heinz climbed Mt O’Connor from the Toaroha (the first known ascent) in April 1935.
The range crest gets gnarly between here and Mt Ross but difficulties can be bypassed via Darby Creek. Either climb out of Darby Creek at the 1400-metre contour to reach the north-west ridge of Mt Ross at 1560 metres or go further down and climb up to Pt 1524 metres. From Mt Ross, descend along the tussock range to Toaroha Saddle, a natural place to finish the traverse.