Cobb Valley Road to Trilobite Track

Cobb Valley Road cuts 28km into Kahurangi National Park’s heart, following pack trails used by 1850s gold miners who dragged equipment through these marble peaks on foot. The metalled road climbs steadily through dense beech forest to Cobb Dam—New Zealand’s highest vehicle-accessible dam at 1100m—where the pavement ends and the real adventure begins. Beyond the dam, the Trilobite Track becomes a rough 4WD trail threading through ancient marble karst country, past collapsed mine shafts at Cobb Flat and the remains of stamper batteries that once crushed quartz for gold.

Moderate difficulty with some technical rock sections and tight switchbacks near the reservoir. Any high-clearance vehicle manages the first 24km to the dam, but the Trilobite extension requires proper 4WD with low range for the steep climbs and loose marble scree. Summer only—snow blocks access October through April above 800m. No permits needed for the road, but DoC charges for camping at designated sites. Carry chains in shoulder seasons and extra food; nearest supplies are 90 minutes away in Takaka. The payoff includes pristine alpine lakes, historic mining relics, and some of the clearest night skies in New Zealand.