From the top of Takaka Hill, head into the wide open river flats and beech forest pockets of the Cobb Valley.

From Trilobite Hut, near the car park, follow the track two hours to Chaffey Shelter. What used to be a derelict ruin full of holes and rot has been lovingly restored while still retaining its rustic charm. Even the bunk beds are made of rough-hewn timber, bark still on.

It’s an easy three hours to reach Fenella Hut. There’s a nearby tarn and the mountain views are incredible.

There’s an optional detour to Lake Cobb on the way back to the car park, which on a sunny day is a dazzling blue mountain lake dominated by the squat silhouette of Xenicus Peak.