9 October 2026
Cloud about the tops.
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1 / 2Kahurangi National Park
Asbestos Cottage Track
The new track to Asbestos Cottage leads along the Cobb Ridge with excellent views of Cobb Reservoir before descending to Asbestos Cottage, home to Annie and Henry Chaffey from 1914 to 1951.
Distance
4.8 km
Walking time
2 hours one way
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control in Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park
New track to Asbestos Cottage
Predator control in Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park
New track to Asbestos Cottage
Weather outlook
Kahurangi National Park forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
10 October 2026
Cloud increasing with showers developing in the morning, becoming rain at night.
11 October 2026
Rain clearing to fine in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Asbestos Cottage Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Asbestos Cottage Track
The new track to Asbestos Cottage begins near the summit of Cobb Dam road, follow signs for Cobb Ridge Route. The track undulates along the ridgeline before a short climb to a junction, where the track turns off the ridge and begins a gradual descent through open tussock and beech forest. Turn off the spur at the next junction for the 20 minute descent to Asbestos Cottage.
Essential information for Asbestos Cottage Track
There is no track beyond the cottage or to the historic asbestos mine. Asbestos Track from Cobb Dam Road to Asbestos Cottage is being removed from the DOC track network. This is because is a potential health risk due to extremely high levels of asbestos at the nearby mine and along the adjacent track. Asbestos Cottage has been decontaminated and areas of asbestos contamination around the hut have been remediated. Do not disturb the soil.
Huts and campsites
Asbestos Cottage
Getting there for Asbestos Cottage Track
The track starts on Cobb Dam Road, near the information shelter and the highest point of the road. 4WD is recommended on the access road into the Cobb valley (Cobb Dam Road) in winter, due to ice and/or snow. From the powerhouse, Cobb Dam Road is unsealed, narrow and has steep drop-offs. Drive with care. Use this location on Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Before you walk Asbestos Cottage Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.