9 October 2026
Cloud about the tops.
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1 / 21Cobb Valley
Sylvester Hut Track
Walk up to Sylvester Hut as day walk or overnight tramp with children - enjoy great views from the hut and explore a series of lakes on the open tops behind the hut.
Distance
5 km
Walking time
2 hr one way
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control in Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park
Predator control in Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park
New track to Asbestos Cottage
Predator control in Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park
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
Sylvester Hut Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Sylvester Hut Track
Time required : 4 hours return The walking track zigzags up through beech forest and then flattens out as it approaches the open tops. The hut is just above the bushline. Beyond the hut are several lakes, all glacial in origin, but of differing sizes. The largest, Lake Sylvester and its neighbour Little Sylvester Lake are within easy reach on the track. Beyond that, there are no markers.
Essential information for Sylvester Hut Track
If intending to venture off track, make a note in your trip plan of your intended route and carry a PLB.
Huts and campsites
Sylvester Hut
Getting there for Sylvester Hut Track
The track starts on Cobb Dam Road, near the Cobb Dam, on route from Upper Takaka to the Cobb Reservoir. The narrow road is unsealed from the powerhouse - care is required and 4WD is recommended in winter due to ice and or snow. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. On-demand transport services are available to or from the Cobb - contact the DOC office for details.
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 .
Dog access for Sylvester Hut Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Sylvester Hut 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.