Leslie-Karamea 6-12 Jan

Hitching up to Flora or Cobb would be tricky, I'd say. Usually minimal traffic but at that time of year it could be busier with holiday makers. Whether they would have room in their car is another matter. I have walked most of the Flora road hoping for a hitch, without success, as has my son and his partner. The Cobb has even less traffic. If you did hitch to the Flora I'd suggest hitching up the Motueka Valley Highway and getting out at Pokororo and crossing the river via a footbridge which comes out on the West Bank Road just downstream from the Graham Valley which leads to Flora. Check this out on Google Maps as finding that footbridge is tricky. There's a lane leading down beside what used to be a drive in fruit stall - may still be for all I know. I don't think there is a sign for the bridge. The walk up Graham Valley to Flora is really nice but it's quite a haul! Would use up a good part of a day. I guess if you accepted that, you could end up at Flora hut for the night. If you got a lift it would be a bonus. Rolling River out could also be a long walk. Again - really nice and probably lots of holiday makers to go with the sand flies! lol

Have you tried Trek Express? (http://trekexpress.co.nz) You can tag along on an existing trip and pay a reasonable amount. Look under "existing and budget trips". The other one is Nelson Lakes Shuttles (http://www.nelsonlakesshuttles.co.nz) but they usually go to Lake Rotoiti. Tempted to join you - it's a fantastic walk ( I did it earlier this year in May). Make sure you spend some time at the "hidden Lake" between Trevor Carter and Helicopter Hut. I hitched out OK from Rolling Junction in May (but had to wait 3 hrs). Should be much better this time of year.

Hi ya, The Nelson tramping club will be going into flora car park on 5th January from Nelson, contact details on the website, for daytrip. You would have to pay the fuel price listed, but I am sure we could help out : ). Alternatively, pop along for the daytrip, car park is only 30mins from flora hut and you could then crash at flora hut and start your journey lovely and fresh on the 6th.If the weather is dire the trips obviously get cancelled though, Hope of help, Andrea