Cobb River Campsite
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Cobb River Campsite
Camp beside the Cobb River, which offers good swimming and fishing.
A long and windy road up alongside the Takaka River (good swimming holes can be found) to the hydro power station. From there the road leads up for long while to the Cobb Ridge with a small information shelter and fantastic views to the reservoir below.
The campsite is at the far end (western) of the Cobb Reservoir. From the Cobb Ridge there's still a fair drive to go. First down to the water and then along the lake edge for several kilometres. Once beyond the lake you'll find tussock covered flats with the camping site along side a beautiful clear (and cold) river.
This is a definite no go for large vehicles, the road is very narrow with few bays to pull over and let somebody past. You should also be comfortable driving on unsealed New Zealand roads, be solid at this before you attempt to ascend the 35km challenge. If the weather is wet or icy then that'll make it more challenging. The drive takes about an hour to the Cobb Ridge and another quarter of an hour to the lake head campsite.
A great swimming and fishing area. This is also the start of several walks. There is a small shelter and the Trilobite Hut nearby with bunks and a fireplace.
Notices
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Predator control for Cobb area
A predator control operation using toxic bait containing 1080 was completed on 9 March 2024.
The Cobb area is open with warning signs in place at key entrances.
There may be toxic carcasses and bait (green coloured pellets) in the area.
It is not safe to hunt for food or have your dog in this area for up to 8 months. Warning signs and this web alert will be removed once the area is safe again.
1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080.
This operation is part of DOC's National Predator Control Programme to protect native species.
First published on 9 January 2024. Last reviewed on 27 August 2024.
DOC Campsite Pricing
Cobb River campsite is categorised as a DOC Basic Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing.
DOC Basic Campsite
Basic campsites have very limited facilities so you need to be fully self-sufficient. There are basic toilets and water may be from a water tank that is untreated, stream or lake. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Access may be by road or boat.
| Feature | Value | Value |
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| Unpowered Site | Adult | $0.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Child | $0.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Basic Camping
Reviews
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5.0/5
We only have just started the south island and this place is a MUST SEE.
The drive here takes a while but we made it here okay in our Toyota Hiace during dusk time. We are here in mid July and have the whole place to ourselves for multiple days. A bit cold in the mornings but afternoons are sun filled when the sun comes up over the mountain. Toilet at the campground and another one up by the hut just an 8 minute walk away. Several hikes to do from this location. Will be back in summer for sure
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5.0/5
We got up the gravel road is Volkswagen t5 lwb and it was fine, was a little bit scary but not impossible.
The camp ground is amazing and the river is super clear, definitely need good bug spray. A great place to fall off the face of the earth for a couple days. Also the local weka family is very friendly and hung out with us for the couple of days we were there.
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3.5/5
Beautiful swim spot only steps away from the campsite and amazing view of the stars.
Quite a drive to get to the campsite and as other reviews mention the gravel road can be quite narrow, however we found it perfectly manageable (4wd ute). The sandflies are the biggest let down of the campsite as they are EVERYWHERE!! They went away once it was dark. Overall a good campsite and we would return, but with a lot more insect repellent.
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5.0/5
We read some reviews before coming here and were worried on how steep and shocking the roads sounded, and as we had a Toyota Hiace 2WD campervan, we were really torn if it was worth it.
But we decided to do it, and in all honesty, the road was absolutely fine - it was like any NZ gravel road. We didn’t struggle at all, and it wasn’t as narrow as some had said. We just took it slow, enjoyed the beautiful drive, and had a huge area to park up, hardly anyone was around.
Huge selection of walks, which are stunning. Definitely cold, but so worth it.
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5.0/5
This place was awesome.
The walks are worth the stunning views of the hills around. The drive on gravel is tiring but it's well worth the drive. Bring your own water or boil the river water. I would go back in a heart beat.
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5.0/5
Words cannot even describe this place.
This was my favourite site of all the places where we went on our trip. Would be uncomfortable without a solid 4WD. Toilet facilities available. Fires are allowed. PLENTY of room so you can have your own private area. Wekas will steal your unattended food so be aware haha. But hands down the best spot and well worth the drive out there!
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4.5/5
Went out here to do some tramping,read in a travel book that DOC camp at the end.
Didn't say anything about the road or signs saying no caravans.so off we went,what a scary trip. We did get there and back and did heaps of walks,but will never tow anything again out there
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5.0/5
A camp site for the truly adventurous !
The drive is half the adventure - yes nearly 1.5 hour drive in and out. It is a single lane for the last 30-40 minutes of the drive (after crossing the bridge beside the dam. Be wary of oncoming traffic as you could be forced to reverse in very tight conditions to get passed each other. The first night we were the only people and we stayed as a group of five and there were high winds in the valley making it a bit tough to sleep in a tent. We sorted ourselves out the next day with tarps and were fine. There isn't much in the way of shade as it's an open field without any standing trees to park under. Within 200m walk you have at least 6 hiking tracks ranging from under an hour all the way up to full days hikes. Drop toilet was clean and well stocked. River was great source of water - not sure if drinkable but we boiled our water anyway. There are two separate fire-pits that could actually have two fires in each. Was very nice to be able to have a proper campfire for a change as it is very restricted throughout the rest of the country in the summer months. It was great to get away from the city and all of the pompous posh 'glampers' in their motor home caravans as well !
Will go back again and again !
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2.5/5
Please think twice about attempting this drive in a campervan for just one night.
It took almost 2 hours to reach the campsite. We were so tired and disillusioned with the long gravel road drive that we could not appreciate the serenity of the area. It was extremely windy and cold, and the only highlight of the night was being able to light a campfire and BBQ in the open. Lots of mosquitoes (and sand flies) so ensure you take repellent. Two weeks on and we are still covered in red welts! Recommended if you are planning to stay for more than one night and enjoy walks and tramping. If not, I highly recommend looking for somewhere less remote because it just wasn't worth the drive for us, regretfully.
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4.0/5
Long windy drive on gravel road to beautiful reservoir.
Camp spots have a spot to have a fire. Sand flies were crazy in mid April. Water is beautiful though and fishing is good. BUG SPRAY MUST,
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4.5/5
Fabulous day trip and or camping site.
Road is very, very narrow and steep after the powerhouse. NOT SUITABLE for anything other than a small van or car. NO MOTORHOMES. Amazing views & scenery and beautiful walks at the top of the range and at the end of the lake.
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5.0/5
At the top end of the Cobb Reservoir.
For FREE! Beautiful place between the mountains, but very long unsealed road - 35KM, very good for tracks and tramping, fireplaces - very nice!! Good toilets and a stream, two huts not far away.
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5.0/5
We only have just started the south island and this place is a MUST SEE.
The drive here takes a while but we made it here okay in our Toyota Hiace during dusk time. We are here in mid July and have the whole place to ourselves for multiple days. A bit cold in the mornings but afternoons are sun filled when the sun comes up over the mountain. Toilet at the campground and another one up by the hut just an 8 minute walk away. Several hikes to do from this location. Will be back in summer for sure
-
5.0/5
We got up the gravel road is Volkswagen t5 lwb and it was fine, was a little bit scary but not impossible.
The camp ground is amazing and the river is super clear, definitely need good bug spray. A great place to fall off the face of the earth for a couple days. Also the local weka family is very friendly and hung out with us for the couple of days we were there.
-
3.5/5
Beautiful swim spot only steps away from the campsite and amazing view of the stars.
Quite a drive to get to the campsite and as other reviews mention the gravel road can be quite narrow, however we found it perfectly manageable (4wd ute). The sandflies are the biggest let down of the campsite as they are EVERYWHERE!! They went away once it was dark. Overall a good campsite and we would return, but with a lot more insect repellent.
-
5.0/5
We read some reviews before coming here and were worried on how steep and shocking the roads sounded, and as we had a Toyota Hiace 2WD campervan, we were really torn if it was worth it.
But we decided to do it, and in all honesty, the road was absolutely fine - it was like any NZ gravel road. We didn’t struggle at all, and it wasn’t as narrow as some had said. We just took it slow, enjoyed the beautiful drive, and had a huge area to park up, hardly anyone was around.
Huge selection of walks, which are stunning. Definitely cold, but so worth it.
-
5.0/5
Words cannot even describe this place.
This was my favourite site of all the places where we went on our trip. Would be uncomfortable without a solid 4WD. Toilet facilities available. Fires are allowed. PLENTY of room so you can have your own private area. Wekas will steal your unattended food so be aware haha. But hands down the best spot and well worth the drive out there!
-
5.0/5
This place was awesome.
The walks are worth the stunning views of the hills around. The drive on gravel is tiring but it's well worth the drive. Bring your own water or boil the river water. I would go back in a heart beat.
-
4.5/5
Went out here to do some tramping,read in a travel book that DOC camp at the end.
Didn't say anything about the road or signs saying no caravans.so off we went,what a scary trip. We did get there and back and did heaps of walks,but will never tow anything again out there
-
5.0/5
A camp site for the truly adventurous !
The drive is half the adventure - yes nearly 1.5 hour drive in and out. It is a single lane for the last 30-40 minutes of the drive (after crossing the bridge beside the dam. Be wary of oncoming traffic as you could be forced to reverse in very tight conditions to get passed each other. The first night we were the only people and we stayed as a group of five and there were high winds in the valley making it a bit tough to sleep in a tent. We sorted ourselves out the next day with tarps and were fine. There isn't much in the way of shade as it's an open field without any standing trees to park under. Within 200m walk you have at least 6 hiking tracks ranging from under an hour all the way up to full days hikes. Drop toilet was clean and well stocked. River was great source of water - not sure if drinkable but we boiled our water anyway. There are two separate fire-pits that could actually have two fires in each. Was very nice to be able to have a proper campfire for a change as it is very restricted throughout the rest of the country in the summer months. It was great to get away from the city and all of the pompous posh 'glampers' in their motor home caravans as well !
Will go back again and again !
-
2.5/5
Please think twice about attempting this drive in a campervan for just one night.
It took almost 2 hours to reach the campsite. We were so tired and disillusioned with the long gravel road drive that we could not appreciate the serenity of the area. It was extremely windy and cold, and the only highlight of the night was being able to light a campfire and BBQ in the open. Lots of mosquitoes (and sand flies) so ensure you take repellent. Two weeks on and we are still covered in red welts! Recommended if you are planning to stay for more than one night and enjoy walks and tramping. If not, I highly recommend looking for somewhere less remote because it just wasn't worth the drive for us, regretfully.
-
4.0/5
Long windy drive on gravel road to beautiful reservoir.
Camp spots have a spot to have a fire. Sand flies were crazy in mid April. Water is beautiful though and fishing is good. BUG SPRAY MUST,
-
4.5/5
Fabulous day trip and or camping site.
Road is very, very narrow and steep after the powerhouse. NOT SUITABLE for anything other than a small van or car. NO MOTORHOMES. Amazing views & scenery and beautiful walks at the top of the range and at the end of the lake.
-
5.0/5
At the top end of the Cobb Reservoir.
For FREE! Beautiful place between the mountains, but very long unsealed road - 35KM, very good for tracks and tramping, fireplaces - very nice!! Good toilets and a stream, two huts not far away.
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4.0/5
Long drive with a good view, look out for cars at the end, just suitable for one way drive.
Actually I got a better camping area just before the cobb reservoir with magnificent views. turn left when you see a sign says" Nelson Council of fishing" some kind like that, the cloest one to the reservoir cause there are lots of these signs of the same kind, go inside you will be amazed.
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5.0/5
Turn left at Upper Takaka and follow Cobb River Road until the very end.
Beautiful free campsite with toilets. Good walks and stunning view of the stars at night. Ask at Motueka i-site for more information.
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5.0/5
Because it was free you cannot expect too much.
It had a toilet. The best of the camp was the great scenery you are in.
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4.5/5
In the middle of the National Park!
Not many facilities provided (only one toilet). One of the greatest views we have ever had in New Zealand! Campground is surrounded by huge mountains and a beautiful (cold) river. Nights with frost and the way to the camping ground is really hilly and long; unpaid :-)
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3.5/5
The photos on this site are of the Cobb Lookout, NOT the camping ground which is at the head of the lake, as shown correctly on Ranker's map.
The camping ground is very nice but pick your spot carefully as the wind can be ferocious coming down the valley. Beautiful walks up the valley or to Mytton's hut.
