Kahurangi Caper

January 2021: Note that in summer near Cobb Reservoir, parts of the track can be very overgrown/un-runnable. Also note that signs for Bullock and Upper Takaka track have been removed: follow signs for Peat Flat and Broken Bridge (and of course Flora) to stay on course!

From the car park follow the signs for Flora Hut, which is just about 2k away on a broad piece of single track. Beyond this historic hut the trail narrows and runs close to Flora Stream through beautiful native bush.
Check out the incredible Gridiron Rock Shelter and continue on sublime single track for another couple of kms before turning left following signs to Salisbury Lodge. The trail now starts to climb through more stunning bush and then breaks out on to the tussock lands at the fringe of the Tablelands. Salisbury Lodge is not much farther along - a good place to top up on water supplies.
From Salisbury Lodge follow the signs for Balloon Hut - a gradual climb over open tussock lands with superb views starting to open up. Beyond Balloon Hut these views just get better and better as the steady climb continues.
From the high point of the run follow the poled route down technical single track to Lake Peel, nestled in its high alpine tarn setting. Beyond this stunning lake the trail climbs gradually to join a ridge. Ignore the signs for Cobb Reservoir and instead follow the poled route along and down the ridge, eventually picking up a marked trail through the bush.
At the intersection with the Bullock Track turn right. After a short way this drops towards the Takaka River. Turn right to cross the river and right again on to the Upper Takaka Track. Within 3k you reach Upper Junction and turn right to retrace your outward steps up a long gradual climb back to the Flora Saddle car park.