Cable Bay Beach

The beach is an incredible spot for swimming, with a breathtaking drive to get there and exceptionally clear water.

Cable Bay is an excellent destination for cycling, followed by a leisurely walk up the hill to enjoy breathtaking views from the top.

Rotokura/Cable Bay is a hidden treasure in the Nelson Tasman region, just a short 20-minute drive from Nelson City. This place is absolutely stunning, with its crystal clear ocean waters. When I visited, the ocean was warm and perfect for swimming, as I saw many people enjoying a dip in the bay. Additionally, there is a cafe conveniently located right next to the beach. Cable Bay boasts a sheltered shingle beach, and the unique land connection to Pepin Island, which forms the crest of the beach, is a result of rare currents and a rock source. The Cable Bay Recreation Reserve, managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, oversees this area. Moreover, the nearby marine reserve offers exciting recreational activities like kayaking and snorkeling. If you're looking for one of the finest coastal hikes near Nelson, this is the place to be. The Cable Bay Walkway will take you across a couple of impressive hills, providing breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Nelson and Cable Bay/Peppin Island. Not to mention, the views of Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park from here are simply splendid.

This place is absolutely beautiful to live in or visit. However, it would be greatly appreciated if people could refrain from littering. It's becoming quite exhausting to constantly pick up trash that is either thrown out of cars or left behind by visitors. This place is truly a gem, and we can all contribute to its preservation by taking our own rubbish home instead of dumping it here. Let's ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy this wonderful treasure.

Cable Bay, located approximately 18km northeast of Nelson, is definitely worth a visit. It provides stunning views, a safe swimming environment, opportunities for kayaking and hiking. A narrow causeway connects the mainland to Pepin Island, and there is a small parking area and toilet facilities available. Adjacent to the car park, you will find a set of wooden stairs that mark the beginning of the Cable Bay to Glenduan walkway, an 8km hike through farmland that offers breathtaking views. If you're not up for the entire hike, you can still enjoy the best parts by walking a few hundred meters to a viewpoint and information board that provides the area's history. As you ascend, the views only get better. The name Cable Bay originates from its historical significance as the site of the first overseas cable link between New Zealand and Australia in 1876. For optimal photography, the afternoon or early evening is the ideal time.