Fenella Hut Intermediate
Submitted by Stu Houston
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bushRiversideOpen tussock/grasslands
Intermediate
4:00 (Slow)
3:00 (Moderate)
2:00 (Fast)
-4.9%
+4.9%
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Description
From the Trilobite Hut carpark follow the Cobb Valley track - this is a DOC tramping track and is well benched , graded and marked all the way to Fenella Hut. Evenly spaced along the Valley are Chaffeys Hut and Tent Camp for a stop and bite to eat and to read the history behind these buildings.
Just before the final climb to Fenella hut you come to Cobb Hut. Here there is a lovely side trip to Cobb Lake which is nestled in the mountains and a nice camp site too. Fenella hut is a large 12 bunk hut in a lovely spot. If it's a hot day walk 100 metres to the Tarn for a dip. Return is the same way you came.
If you wanted an overnight adventure camp at Cobb lake (or stay in Fenella or Cobb huts) and climb up the Cobb Lake Track to Round Lake then up to the low saddle above for a fanastic view of Island lake and the Tasman Wilderness Area of Kahurangi National Park. This adds about 8 kms to the trip. The track is undulating all the way to the tent camp then climbs steadily to Fenella Hut.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Subalpine valley - the track follows the Cobb River into its headwater. You run through a mix of open grass meadows which are covered in alpine plants (oh yes this valley can get very cold ) and beech forest. You pass the recently restored Chaffeys Hut and the fabulous 2 berth tent camp (you will want to come back to this valley to stay be warned !!) Then the stunning mountain scenery at the head of the valley at Fenella Hut.
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 10%
Moderate Single Track: 50%
Easy Single Track: 40%
Route Data
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Access
Turn off SH60 at Upper Takaka village onto Cobb Road. It is an hour's drive on long ,narrow , winding road to the Cobb Reservoir then drive to head of lake and Trilobite Hut and carpark for Cobb Valley Track.
No public transport into Cobb.large parking area and nice DOC campsite 250 metres away. Carpark is safe.
55 km
80 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
The track is well maintained and marked but take a map anyway.
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
There are streams all the way along the track - the water is clean and pure.
In winter snow will cover the Cobb Road and is dangerous don't attempt to go in if you strike snow on the hill in unless you have 4x4 AND chains. DON'T rely on your 4x4 and its tyres - this road is really dangerous and doesn't get graded , gritted or snow cleared.
Alpine area so take spare clothes and a plb etc. This may be in sunny Tasman but it can be 25 degrees in Motueka or Takaka and 5 degrees in the Cobb (it can also be 30 in the Cobb !!) Come prepared year round. High wasp numbers in summer.
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Post run indulgence
wholemeal cafe
Takaka
Coz its the best in Town.All other cafes in Takaka
Takaka
Woolshed Cafe
On Takaka Hill just off on Canaan road
Real nice place -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
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The Killdevil
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Pupu Hydro Run
Parapara Peak
Anatoki-Waingaro-Kill Devil
Gibbs Hill Loop
Boulder Lake to Anatoki Forks
The Rameka to Pigeon Dance
Asbestos Cobb Loop
Motupipi Hill
Diamond in the Rough
Rawhiti Ramble
Wainui Falls goddess
Low Hanging Fruit
Awaroa Beach & Coffee
