Cobb Valley

*Cobb Valley*


Updated 1st September 2010	"Run By Trampers For Trampers"

Nelson Lakes Shuttles provide trampers / hikers transport to the Cobb Valley.This section of Kahurangi National Park would be one of the best tramping areas in the Nelson region. It caters for family groups right through to the experienced tramper. The 28 kilometer access road is a tribute to those early road builders. But be warned it is very narrow and in winter can be very icy to the point you will need to carry snow chains. Trilobite Hut at the end of the road is still comfortable and fortunately doesn't attract the same level of vandalism that other road end huts endure.

The most popular tramp is up the valley to Fenella Hut ( 4-5 Hours from Trilobite Hut). We have based ourselves here for a whole week and just did day trips in different directions (see below). DOC have done a lot of work on the track and very rarely do you sink up to your waist in black smelly mud. This used to be my favourite tramping area until I discovered Nelson Lakes National Park. But I still enjoy returning to the Cobb Valley. You can spend many tramping trips in this area.

Trilobite Hut (click on the above photo for interior view)

Trilobite Hut is right at the end of the road and still offers comfortable accommodation. The track to Chaffeys is a easy two hour stroll often beside the Cobb River . Keep an eye out for trout in the clear water. Unfortunately you could stay in Chaffeys Hut. But these days it's in a bad state of repair. It would be a shame to lose this character hut built of split beech slabs way back in the early 1950's. I spent a many a good night in this hut.

Chaffey Hut (David Booth Photo)

The track continues up the true left of the Cobb River and again it's a easy stroll to the Cobb Hut (sleeps 4). The valley is wide and gives you good views of the surrounding peaks. The hut was dragged up the valley by a bulldozer way back in the early 1930's. The only time I've ever seen a rat in a hut in all my tramping years happened to be in this hut. He was on the top bunk watching us eating our lunch. Don't be put off by this encounter as that was nearly 20 years ago. I've stayed there since and the only rat I've seen was of the human kind. This hut is handy if Fenella hut is crowed and good for exploring Cobb Lake and Mt Cobb.

Cobb Hut (David Booth Photo)

It's only a easy 30 minute scramble up to Fenella Hut from Cobb Hut. Fenella Hut sleeps 20 people and is ideal for basing yourself here to explore the surrounding area. Be warned it can get a bit crowded in summer. But there are plenty of tarns and lakes to camp beside within easy access from Fenella Hut

Fenella Hut (David Booth Photo)

Trilobite Hut - Mt Peel - Balloon Hut - Salisbury Lodge - Flora Car park

Asbestos Cottage - Salisbury Lodge - Balloon Hut - Lake Peel - Peel Ridge - Cobb Dam Look Out

Chaffeys Hut - Cub Stream - Roaring Lion Hut - Karamea Bend Hut - Leslie - Salisbury Hut - Flora Car Park

Chaffeys Hut - Kakapo Spur - Roaring Lion Hut - Karamea Bend Hut - Leslie - Salisbury Hut - Flora Car Park

Fenella Hut - Lonely Lake Hut - Drunken Sailors - Adelaide Tarn Hut - Boulder Lake Hut - Brown Cow - Bainham

Fenella Hut -Lonely Lake Hut - Adelaide Tarn - Anatoki Hut - Lake Stanley (Smokey Dip Hut)- Waingaro Hut - Roidens Hut - Upper Takaka


Adelaide Tarn (Yvette Cottam)	Adelaide Tarn (Yvette Cottam)

Boulder Lake (Yvette Cottam)	Boulder Lake (Yvette Cottam)

Please contact us for more information and transport. Contact Nelson Lakes Shuttles

info@nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz

#Note if you have a Xtra mail address and you don't receive a return email from us. We always return your emails as soon as possible. Check your deleted or spam box. It is a Xtra problem stemming from their "Bubble Upgrade" and they assure us they hope to have it sorted soon.


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Peter & Trish Kemp
Nelson Lakes Shuttles
P.O. Box 75
St Arnaud 7053
Nelson Lakes
New Zealand
Phone: +64 (3) 521-1900
Mobile 021 490095

Peter & Trish have 30 years experience in the New Zealand Transport, Tramping and Accommodation Industries in the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions

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Click On Picture For Fares To The Cobb Valley

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