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New Zealand Walks: Cobb Vally region - one of
Cobb Valley region - one of the most interesting
Words by Vicky Ross Photos by Deborah Gedye
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For me the Cobb Valley was familiar in name only through the experiences of others.
I really had little idea of where or what it was all about. So with five other tramping friends what else to do but discover it for ourselves. And what a special memorable time it was. Four days of walking up, down, across and over this beautiful area in the Kahurangi National Park. The perfect weather was a grateful bonus. From Nelson airport Kahurangi Guided Walks drove us over the Takaka Hill to our accommodation alongside the Cobb River reservoir. With our two guides we shared two historic houses, historic in that they replicated houses that so many of us lived in and successfully survived with only three bedrooms, one bathroom and a dinette. What? No ensuites, office or butler’s pantry? They had originally been the dam worker’s accommodation.
From a sunny northerly aspect they overlooked the reservoir and dam.
This dam was part of the project to harness the Takaka River for hydroelectric power and in 1940 the government put in a road to the Cobb Valley. A 2.6 km tunnel from the valley was drilled through the range to meet the penstocks 596m above the power station, the highest of any power station in New Zealand. When full the reservoir is 807 m above sea level.
To choose a favourite walk during our stay would be a difficult task, as www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz Above:Walking up through tussock country with Lake Sylvester in the background.
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they all had special highlights and interesting features.
From the broad meadowland in the river valley; through the softtread beech forest carpeted with ferns, lichens and mosses; up into the lighter canopied more open bush; the contrasting wide alpine landscape above the tree line with golden tussock, astelias and stoic mountain flowers amongst the rocks, all giving sensual scenic pleasure. The Alpine Meadows are the country’s richest.
The rewards of steady climbs were expansive views of the distant Peel, Lockett and Arthur ranges. These combined with the valleys below, Sylvester, Iron and Peel gave unforgettable hues and layers of blues under perfect skies.
For freedom multi day trampers a variety of huts can be booked through DOC. These range from basic three bunks to serviced 14 bunks.
We visited Sylvester, Myttons, Chaffey and of course Alabaster Cottage built in 1897.
The Chaffey hut was built in 1852 by ranger and biologist Jack McBur-
Above: In the beautiful Cobb Valley. Below right: Up in tussock country.
Cobb Valley region - one of the most interesting in the country for trampers ney. Restoration by the deerstalkers association assured authentic horizontal slab construction in 2010. Myttons hut is named after an early grazier in the river valley. The whole area is steeped in history. History of early gold prospectors, musterers, graziers, packhorse packers, hydro schemes and the asbestos mining project. Closely associated with all these was the legendary Henry Chaffey and his (eventual) wife Annie. Their forty year occupancy of Asbestos Cottage is a story of folklore propor-
.Above: Big skies, big country. Below left: Time for lunch. Below right: Which way should we go?
tions.
To fully understand and appreciate this unique couple I recommend the books of Gerard Hindmarsh about Kahurangi and also the earlier publication “Exiles of Asbestos Cottage” by Jim Henderson..
Birdlife was abundant especially in the valley forest. The chorus of bellbirds was music and delight to our ears and videos.
Why can’t all our forests offer such treasure? Riflemen flitting and hopping up tree trunks, little bold robins tempting our cameras and even the opportunistic wekas providing lunchtime entertainment. Oh for those far distant predator-free days!
Our four days in unspoilt wilderness quickly dissipated once we were back on the road returning to Nelson. Thank goodness for memories and photos. However the transition was softened at the Motueka Pub watching the America’s Cup become the New Zealand Cup! Even the non Aucklanders celebrated.
A fitting end to a successful and favourite walking holiday. .Above: The famous Chaffey Hut Below left: A stop at Iron Lake. Below right: Colour at Peel Lake.
