Another awesome weekend spent exploring (and hut bagging) near the Cobb Reservoir!
Thursday
The trip began with our group and a medium-fit (MF) group meeting at Wellington Railway Station on a Thursday afternoon to catch the afternoon ferry.
After arriving in Picton, we set off to drive to Motueka, via Nelson. Very unfortunately, we all missed a handful of signs which stated that the road was closed between Rai Valley and Nelson. Google and Apple maps had not been helpful as both stated that the road was open. This situation turned our expected 2-hour drive to Motueka into a 4-hour drive, and we finally arrived at the Top 10 Motueka Holiday Park at around midnight. Feeling pretty tired, we all went to bed quite quickly (booking cabins here works really well).
Friday
The next morning, we got to the Cobb Reservoir after a 1.5 hr drive. We dropped the MF group off at the Northern end of the Reservoir and parked at the carpark near Myttons Hut. After brushing off all of the bees, we set off.
We reached Myttons Hut after about 15 minutes and then the climb began. This was a fairly steady climb and the track is in really good condition. After an hour or so we made it above the bushline and could look out over the Reservoir, which had a very low water level.
15 minutes later we were at the top of the hill and could look down towards Lake Peel.
From here we followed the track that sidled down and around to Lake Peel. We had a snack here before setting off over the Tablelands to Balloon Hut.
This was a stunning area and we had amazing weather and views. After arriving at Balloon Hut we had a snack and then set off for Salisbury Lodge. On the way we checked out Bishop’s Cave (which was probably about 15 – 20 minutes from Balloon Hut).
Editor’s note: See following link for historical information about the Tablelands area, including the sermon Bishop Suter preached to gold diggers at this cave in the 1880s: https://www.theprow.org.nz/places/mount-arthur/
Once we arrived at Salisbury Lodge, Anna, Daniel and I dropped off most of our weight and headed off on a side mission to visit the old Salisbury Lodge Hut site, Dry Rock Shelter, Growler Rock Shelter and Upper and Lower Gridiron rock shelters. Karen also did a side trip to Dry Rock Shelter and got to take part in a birthday party that occurred at Salisbury Lodge for an 83-year woman who had tramped in with her friend (Daniel, Anna, and I sadly missed out on the cake).
After about 1.5 hours, the three of us had made it to Upper Gridiron rock shelter. This was a really cool spot, with a hanging seat (made up of two mattresses) and we had a bit of a break here before heading back up the hill. These shelters were definitely worth checking out – particularly Upper and Lower Gridiron shelters. Heading back up to Salisbury Lodge didn’t take too long and we experienced a nice sunset at the cozy hut.
Saturday
The next morning was quite drizzly and overcast and we set off to explore the Potholes loop walk near Salisbury Lodge. This loop took us about 1 hour and was worth it, as it’s a pretty neat and varied landscape.
After exploring the Potholes, we picked up our packs and set off back to the Cobb Reservoir. It was quite a bit windier than the previous day, but we still got some great views.
Back by the road, we drove the van the short distance to Trilobite Hut. We found it empty and got ourselves settled for the evening. After about 30 minutes, we received a text from the MF group asking for an early pickup, so Daniel and I drove around to get them. Having both groups at Trilobite Hut made for quite an enjoyable evening as we got to hear about each other’s adventures.
A note for trampers: at this time of the year there were a lot of bees and wasps in this area. Below the 1,000 m contour (on the track by Myttons Hut) the wasps were quite noticeable, hovering over the ground. There were also a lot of bumble bees at the carpark and at Trilobite Hut. The bees were harmless but curious, and I will admit to avoiding the Trilobite Hut toilet during the day as the wasps were quite active around there (although I don’t think anyone got stung).
Sunday
The next morning we all set off. Daniel and I got dropped off in Nelson to continue our South Island adventures and the rest of the group headed to Picton for the ferry.
All-in-all a great trip, good company, stunning views and 9 huts/shelters bagged!
Statistics
Friday 14 March:
Cobb Valley to Salisbury Lodge – 13.7km, elapsed time: 5 hours, ascent: 765 m, descent: 535 m
Salisbury Lodge to Gridiron Shelter (return trip) – 13.7 km, elapsed time: 3.5 hrs, ascent/descent: 500 m
Saturday 15 March:
Potholes Loop (near Salisbury Lodge) – 2.8 km, elapsed time 1 hr, ascent/descent: 100 m
Salisbury Lodge to Cobb Valley – 12.6km, elapsed time: 4.5 hrs, ascent: 580 m, descent: 860 m