Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Lake Peel is a tranquil oasis - a stunning alpine lake situated in a small basin in the Cobb Valley. Just a short hike from the Cobb Reservoir carpark, it makes for a perfect overnight escape or grand adventure for the little tackers. Not just a stop along the way to Balloon Hut, Lake Peel is a destination all of its own!
Distance: 5km
Elevation: +659m -137m
The Cobb is beautiful, but quite a drive from Nelson - 2.5 hours to be exact! Over the Takaka Hill, hang a right onto Cobb Valley Road and follow the single lane for an hour. The road itself is currently in quite good condition, but drive slowly and keep an eye out for vehicles coming the other way (pull in safely where you can).
After the reservoir, look for the signposted Lake Peel Track Carpark. The track begins climbing gently up through grassy meadows and native forest, passing Myttons Hut along the way. The trail is a little rocky and rooty but mostly just easy walking with a gradual gradient.
At the bushline the track becomes steep and gravelly, with views behind you over the reservoir and mountains beyond. At the ridge you’ll reach a signposted junction for the Cobb Ridge and Balloon Hut, which is a great place to rest and catch your breath. From here you can see the north side of the Arthur Range – a sight not often seen by us Nelsonians!
Take the track to Balloon Hut (there is also a track to “View of Lake Peel 100m – this does not lead to the lake) and follow the poled route which sidles along the hill face. It’s quite overgrown in places with a big drop-off to the left, so watch your step and the kiddos if you’ve got them!
After 1km you’ll reach the lake – perched in a small basin below craggy peaks. There are a few flat grassy spots to pitch your tent, offering views of both the lake and Mt Arthur. If you’d like to explore the tops and summit Mt Peel (1654m) continue along the track towards Balloon Hut until you reach a rock with a sign for Lake Peel. Scramble up the ridge and follow the officially-unmarked but cairned route up to the summit.
~Emma
