Cobb valley tracks
Located in Cobb Valley and Kahurangi National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region
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Introduction
The Cobb valley provides options for day and overnight walks with a river and an historic hut to keep kids entertained.13 km one way
Seasonal restrictions
4WD is recommended on the access road into the Cobb valley (Cobb Dam Road) in winter, due to ice and/or snow.
Dog access
A well defined tramping track leads from the road end at Trilobite Hut up the valley, alongside the Cobb River. Walk as far as you like – opportunities for picnicking, swimming and fishing abound.
Trilobite Hut to Fenella Hut
Time: 4 - 5 hr
Distance: 13 km
Follow the walking track from Trilobite Hut up the Cobb valley for 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the restored historic Chaffey Hut. This is a good option for kids.
From there a tramping track continues up the valley floor, passing the restored Tent Camp. It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to get to Cobb Hut where a 30-minute walk will take you to Lake Cobb, with Round Lake a further hour on.
Beyond Cobb Hut the track climbs for about 30 minutes to a series of glacier-worn rocky steps to Fenella Hut, Fenella Hut was built as a memorial to Fenella Druce who was killed in 1977 when the Three Johns Hut was blown over a bluff in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Beyond Fenella
Marked and unmarked routes branch off in all directions from here. To the north lies the Douglas Range and a day trip to Kakapo Peak (1783 m) or a 4-day journey to Boulder Lake; to the west is the Tasman Wilderness Area and eastward the Lockett Range, an adventurous return route to the Cobb Dam via Lake Sylvester.
The track starts at the head of the Cobb Reservoir. Turn off SH 60 at Upper Tākaka. Follow Cobb Valley Road, then Cobb Dam Road to the end (28 km).
The road is unsealed from the Cobb Power House. The road is narrow, has steep drop offs and can be difficult passing another vehicle – care is required and 4WD is recommended in winter due to ice and or snow.
On-demand transport services are available to or from the Cobb. Please contact the DOC office for details.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 546 9339 |
| nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |