Hidden in North West Nelson is a place called the Cobb Valley. To get there demands a 2 hour drive over one way dirt roads uphill. But its worth it, You enter the Cobb valley with the lake in the middle. Its a haven for fishermen and hunters. We spent 5 nights there hiking over the mountains and camping.
The nicest place is the Fenella Hut, built as a memorial to Fenella Druce who was one of 4 people killed when the Four Johns Hut in Mt. Cook National Park was blown off its site.. This is beautifully located high in the mountains yet only 4 1/2 hours from the end of the road. An indication of its popularity is that it was full both nights we were there, and only with New Zealanders, no tourists! (This is stunning in this tourist saturated area)
So we drove and hiked to reach it and the next day hiked to Waingaro Peak.
Well that stuffed us, so afterwards we headed for the coast and recovered at Totaranui, one of our favorite haunts, and checked out Cape Farewell, for a completely different costal experience.
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