Cobb hunting

General information

The 20 km long Cobb Valley is a popular area for hunters and trampers.

This glacial valley extends from the Cobb hydro reservoir to the headwaters at Aorere Peak. The Peel and Lockett Ranges form the sides of the valley which are covered by mixed beech forest with undulating tussock tops from about 1400 m. These open tops link with the headwaters of the Waingaro, Aorere and Roaring Lion catchments. Regenerating manuka scrubland and tussock clearings are present particularly at the lower valley.

The Cobb River above the reservoir contains large grassed river flat areas and hunting at first and last light in these areas is popular.

Tussock clearings and tops between the Cobb Valley and the Mt Arthur/Tablelands also provide good hunting before entering the Tablelands area (see Mt Arthur/Tableland)

Fallow deer are present throughout the area, particularly at the grassed Cobb Valley clearings. Red deer and goats are also prevalent, especially at the mid-valley limestone belt between Mt Mytton and a conspicuous limestone peak known as the Gendarme to the north. Hares are common throughout the grassland areas.

Feral pigs are occasionally recorded but hunting dog permits are not issued for this area.

Access

A narrow, partially-sealed road leaving from SH60 at 20 km south from Takaka leads 35 km to the DOC Trilobite Hut car-park at the head of the Cobb reservoir. This road can be closed for short periods after heavy snowfall during winter.

The upper Cobb Valley track provides easy access along the valley floor to Cobb Hut and Fenella Hut at the head of the valley.

Several tracks from the Mt Arthur/Tablelands area via the Peel Range enter the Cobb Valley at Trilobite Hut /Myttons Hut area and at the mid-section of the reservoir via Peat Flat. The Peel Ridge track extends from the DOC information kiosk at the road above the reservoir dam linking these tracks.

The Sylvester Hut track enables access to the tussock tops of the lower Lockett Range. A high level route along the Douglas Range enters the head of the Cobb Valley at Fenella Hut.

Landholders

The area in the vicinity of the Cobb hydro dam is owned by Trust Power Ltd but there are no additional or specific permit issues.

There are several DOC houses and concessionaire accommodation lodges adjacent to the Cobb hydro dam.

Maps

NZTopo50NZ BP24, BP23

Dogs

Dogs are prohibited from all areas.

Huts

• Trilobite Hut
• Myttons Hut
• Cobb Hut
• Fenella Hut
• Sylvester Hut
• Cobb River campsite
• Tent Camp (for more information on this camp, contact the local DOC office)

A NZDA hut is located adjacent to the Cobb reservoir.

The Golden Bay Community Workers Inc. administers two houses adjacent to the Cobb hydro dam which are available for use by the public.

Additional information

A hunter intentions book with an associated map of “hunting areas” is maintained by the NZDA at the DOC information kiosk at the lookout above the Cobb hydro dam. This is not a block booking system and is intended only as advisory for hunters to assist in their selection of areas to hunt.

Stoat and rat trapping is undertaken by volunteer conservation groups throughout the Cobb Valley (and extending into the Flora/Mt Arthur Tablelands). Please do not disturb these traps.