Cable Bay Lookout — Local services in Nelson

Rotokura/Cable Bay is a hidden gem in the Nelson Tasman region, and only a 20-minute drive from Nelson City.

It is a beautiful location, the ocean is crystal clear. The ocean was warm and safe for swimming and people were swimming in the bay when I visited. There is a cafe located right next to the beach.

Cable Bay has a sheltered shingle beach. The thin land connection to Pepin Island, forming the crest of the beach, is the result of a rare combination of currents and a rock source. The area is part of the Cable Bay Recreation Reserve, managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The adjacent marine reserve offers recreational opportunities such as kayaking and snorkeling.

One of the best coastal hikes near Nelson it is conveniently located only 15-20 minutes from the city. The Cable Bay Walkway takes you over a couple of big hills to some viewpoints looking back towards Nelson and over Cable Bay / Peppin Island.

There are splendid views of Nelson and Abel Tasman...

Cable Bay lies about 18km north-east of Nelson and is well worth a visit. It offers fantastic views, safe swimming, kayaking and hiking. A narrow causeway connects the mainland to Pepin Island. There's a small parking area and toilet facilities. Just to the left of the car park you'll see a set of wooden stairs that is the start of the Cable Bay to Glenduan walkway - an 8km hike across farmland offering fantastic views. If you don't have the energy you can achieve the best bang for your buck by hiking the first few hundred meters to a viewpoint and information board giving the history of the area. The higher you go the better the views get. The name comes from the fact that this was the site of the first overseas cable link between New Zealand and Australia back in 1876. The best time for photography is in the afternoon or...

Don’t drive from Picton to Nelson without stopping at Cable Bay... it is a short detour on a crazy little road but it is as spectacular spot not to be missed. Make sure you take the short walk up to the lookout. (Did I mention it was a crazy little road! Love seeing a road narrows sign when the road is barely wider...