COBB VALLEY
The glacial valley of the Cobb River lies nestled within the Kahurangi National Park. The creation of the Cobb Reservoir in the 1940s required the construction of a road into this unique and fascinating place. The road leads us past New Zealand's highest power station, and climbs to 1000m. The scenery is dramatic. Once we emerge out of the forest and onto the ridge, the true magic of this area begins to unfold: mountain ranges as far as the eye can see, ancient beech forests and sub-alpine meadows with a variety of distinctive flora. A wealth of tracks leads to numerous mountain lakes and tarns, streams, summits and huts. The surrounding geology reveals stories from the past: 500 million year old rocks which contain trilobite fossils, clear remnants of the valley's glaciated history such as its distinctive U shaped valleys and the obvious mounds of glacial moraine.
Our Cobb Explorer package includes a scenic drive up the Cobb River gorge, four nights in basic accommodation (with hot showers and electricity) and tasty meals every night, and a selection of fabulous and varied day walks each day.
Our Cobb Explorer package includes a scenic drive up the Cobb River gorge, four nights in basic accommodation (with hot showers and electricity) and tasty meals every night, and a selection of fabulous and varied day walks each day.
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Overview
5 days walking 4 nights Total trip time
5 days / 4 nights (incl travel time) Kilometres 50 km (approx)
Price NZ$1900
Grade Medium
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Included
Tasty meals, homemade snacks, beverages Pick up & delivery to/from Nelson Discounts available (choose one that applies to you and mention it when you enquire) Returning customers 10% off Group discount 5% off (4 or more) Gold card discount 5% off (for 65yrs plus) |
ITINERARY
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Day 1: Pick up from Nelson 10am (approx), stop for lunch at Riwaka Reserve then on to the Cobb
Day 2: We walk to Sylvester Lake and explore its surrounds Day 3: We walk up the Cobb river towards Fenella Hut and return Day 4: We walk to Lake Peel Day 5: We walk in to the Asbestos Cottage before driving back to Nelson, arriving 5pm (approx) Please note: day walks can be easily interchanged, we can make our decision each day depending on the weather. |
FULL DETAILS
DAY 1
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Riwaka Resurgence and Cobb Dam
We pick you up from Nelson and drive to the Cobb Valley. On the way we stop for a picnic lunch and a short walk at the Riwaka Resurgance Reserve (approx 1 hr from Nelson) before winding our way over the Takaka Hill, up the Cobb river gorge, past the Cobb powerhouse and then into the Cobb Valley. Once we arrive you will have time to settle in to our accomodation at the Cobb Reervoir, and take a short walk across the dam to explore the area. |
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DAY 2
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Lake Sylvester
The walk up to Lake Sylvester follows a graded track which zig-zags its way up to the lake. From the lake some may like to climb part of the way up Iron Hill and then continue on around the back of the lake and down the ridge to meet the track again at Lake Sylvester Hut. We then follow the same track back down to our accommodation (approx 12kms) |
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DAY 3
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Historic Chaffey's Hut
This walk takes us up the glacial Cobb River Valley past the historic Chaffey's Hut and along to the recently restored 'Tent Camp' for lunch. The views of the steep mountains that rise up on each side of the valley are phenomenal. If people are feeling fit, they may like to continue on further up the river valley towards the Cobb Hut (approx 20kms). |
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DAY 4
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Cobb Ridge & Peel Lake
We climb up to the Cobb Ridge from Trilobite Hut and then carry on to Lake Peel and even on further to summit Mt Peel(1654m) if people are very keen and if weather permits. From the Cobb Ridge, the views over Mt Arthur and the seemingly never-ending ranges of mountains that form the Kahurangi National Park, begin to unfold (approx 12kms) |
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DAY 5
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Asbestos Cottage
This is our chance to fit in a visit to the now abandoned Asbestos mine and the historic Asbestos Cottage, before driving back to Nelson in the afternoon. We begin this walk by walking along the Cobb Ridge until we drop down into the catchment of the Takaka River and arrive at the Asbestos Cottage for lunch. On our way back to the vehicle we pass the fascinating open cast old asbestos mine. We arrive back in Nelson at approximately 5pm. |
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For further information and maps, please check out the Department of Conservation Cobb Valley brochure
PACKING LIST
Carry less, enjoy more!
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To help you plan your trip, we offer the following list of what to pack
You need to supply a pack, sleeping bag and comfortable footwear. The weather can change quickly on this track so you must be prepared for adverse conditions. It is a good idea to make your pack as light as possible for your own comfort. • 1 Comfortable day pack for walking (with waterproof inner pack liner) • 1 Bag for overnight belongings (suitcase is fine) • 1 Sleeping bag • 1 Sleeping bag liner (optional) • 1 or 2 walking poles (optional) • 1 Good quality weatherproof jacket • 1 Good quality pair of weatherproof pants (optional) • 1 Pair of comfortable shoes/boots • 1 Pair of gaiters (optional) • 1 Rain poncho (optional) • 1 Pair of lightweight sandals/jandals/crocs/slippers for evenings • 1 Pair walking shorts (non denim) • 1 Woolen jersey or polar fleece • 1 Polypropylene/merino leggings/long johns • 2 Polypropylene/merino long sleeved walking shirts (non-cotton) • Spare socks • Spare underwear • 1 Spare shirt for evening • 1 Pair light trousers for evenings • 1 Head torch (with full batteries) • 1 Warm hat • 1 Pair gloves • 1 Sunhat • 1 Toilet bag (eg toothbrush + toothpaste) • 1 Towel • 1 Pair swimming togs (optional) • 1 Sun block • 1 Insect repellent • 1 One litre drink bottle • 1 Camera (optional) • Ear Plugs • Personal nibbles (optional) • Book to read (optional) • Hot water bottle (optional) • Personal medicines (if required) |