Trekking in the Cobb Valley, NZ
| country: | New Zealand |
| location: | South Island, Kahurangi |
| trip type: | Introductory walking holidays |
| departures: | Regular departures throughout the summer |
| price: | From NZ $520 (2 days) - NZ $1025 (5 days) excluding flights |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Kahurangi National Park is New Zealand's second largest and most diverse park. At 452 000 hectares it covers from coastal lowland to high alpine plateau's and is all pristine wilderness. Overnight accommodation in the park is in public huts with basic facilities – no showers or power, or in tents. However, on the Cobb Valley Comfort trip we stay in a house situated in a remote valley. The house has power and full facilities and for these trips is solely for our clients.
From this central location we will have four different day walks into quite diverse areas, ranging from valley walks through to high alpine lakes. Walks are designed to cater for all fitness levels. Unique NZ birdlife and flora can be seen in this area. The valley is also steeped in history. On one walk we will visit the cottage where Henry and Annie Chaffey lived in isolation for forty years in the earlier part of the 20th century.
Walking pace will be slow as your guides will be passing on their knowledge of conservation and flora and fauna of the area. Alpine flowering time is in mid December through to late January. Cost includes all food, accommodation. Complimentary transport ex Nelson or Motueka.
From this central location we will have four different day walks into quite diverse areas, ranging from valley walks through to high alpine lakes. Walks are designed to cater for all fitness levels. Unique NZ birdlife and flora can be seen in this area. The valley is also steeped in history. On one walk we will visit the cottage where Henry and Annie Chaffey lived in isolation for forty years in the earlier part of the 20th century.
Walking pace will be slow as your guides will be passing on their knowledge of conservation and flora and fauna of the area. Alpine flowering time is in mid December through to late January. Cost includes all food, accommodation. Complimentary transport ex Nelson or Motueka.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | The following itinerary can be changed according to weather or clients wishes.A one and a half hour drive to the remote Cobb Valley. After settling in at the house and refreshments, we will walk the valley floor as far as clients wish to go. The walk is through beautiful sub alpine vegetation and grassland beside the picturesque Cobb river. |
| Day 2: | A gentle climb on a well graded track through ancient Beech forest dripping with moss and lichens, to emerge on the ridge top with mountain vistas and the feeling of being on ‘top of the world’. From here there are numerous options regarding ridge travel. Time to ridge top is 2 hours. The day can be as long as you wish from here. |
| Day 3: | On the other side of the valley, a 2 hour walk to the bush line and an alpine plateau. There are numerous alpine lakes to be visited in this area, and once again ridge top travel of your choice. This area boasts a huge variety of alpine flora |
| Day 4: | A 5 hour return walk to the historic cottage where Henry and Annie lived in isolation for over forty years. You will learn how they became a part of local folk lore. Return scenic drive back to Motueka in late afternoon. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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Our guides will be endeavouring to educate clients regarding the conservation importance of this area. For almost a century a controversial proposal to put a road through this area has surfaced from time to time. At this point in time, the issue has again surfaced and certain groups are lobbying for a road.
It is our opinion that an area of such ecological diversity should be left intact for future generations and not destroyed in the name of so called progressive tourism. It is our goal to alert the international traveller to this prospect as we feel such a road would, in fact, destroy the uniqueness of the area. Contrary to a what a lot of New Zealanders feel, it would make a mockery of our so called 'Clean Green' image. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |