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Cable Bay
14.7 km
7 hours
850 metres
If you are looking for a quintessentially Nelson experience that combines a solid physical workout with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand, the Cable Bay Walkway is calling your name. Starting from the Cable Bay end, this 14.7km return journey offers a diverse mix of rugged farm tracks, lush native forest, and ridgeline paths that will have you reaching for your camera every five minutes.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend "leg-burner" or a visitor wanting to see the Tasman Bay in all its glory, this trail delivers a sense of isolation and grandeur that belies its proximity to Nelson city.
Stepping onto the trail at Cable Bay, you are immediately greeted by what locals affectionately call a "grunty" climb. There is no gentle warm-up here; the track wastes no time in ascending the steep hillsides. You’ll be walking through open, active farmland, which adds a charming rural character to the hike. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the path with grazing sheep—just remember that this is a working farm, so give the livestock plenty of space and keep to the marked track.
The track is well-defined and easy to follow, marked by distinctive white posts that lead you higher and higher. As your heart rate climbs, so does the quality of the views. Looking back, the turquoise waters of Cable Bay and its unique tidal estuary begin to shrink, replaced by a massive, 270-degree panorama of the Tasman Bay.
Once you reach the ridgeline, the terrain becomes a series of undulating hills and gullies. One moment you are exposed to the salty sea breeze on a high crest, and the next, you are dipping into the quiet, sheltered folds of the landscape. About halfway through the journey, the scenery shifts dramatically. You’ll leave the open pasture and enter a stunning remnant of native forest. The transition is magical—the air becomes cooler, the light filters through the canopy in dappled patterns, and the sound of the wind is replaced by the chorus of forest birds.
The trail eventually reaches a summit area, which serves as the perfect turnaround point for the "Cable Bay End" version of this walk. Here, you’ll find a picnic table and a basic toilet—a welcome sight for a well-deserved lunch break. Because this is an out-and-back adventure, you get the unique pleasure of seeing everything from a different angle on the way home. The descent back towards Cable Bay offers a completely different perspective on the coastline, often making you realise just how much elevation you actually gained!
Parking is available at the start of the Cable Bay end of the track, located at 821 Cable Bay Road. The parking area is generally considered good and safe. You can park directly in front of the sign signalling the start of the track, or nearby on the stony beach.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Charadrius bicinctus
This small shorebird is identifiable by the distinctive double black band across its chest during breeding season.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
600m away
A charming destination cafe just a short stroll from Cable Bay beach, offering a great choice of delicious meals, fresh cabinet food with vegetarian and vegan options, homemade baking, and excellent coffee. It's known for its 'Cable Baygels' and offers outdoor seating with beautiful sea views.
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Out and back
The absolute standout of the Cable Bay Walkway is the panoramic views. On a clear day, the visibility is staggering. You can easily trace the long, stony sweep of the Boulder Bank (Te Pokohiwi), see the sprawling layout of Nelson City, and look right across the bay to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Kahurangi National Park and the golden coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
For the photographers, the initial ascent provides the best vantage points for capturing the "hidden" feel of Cable Bay. The contrast between the bright green farmland and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean is striking.
Another highlight is the native forest section. It is a beautiful example of the New Zealand bush, featuring ancient trees and a dense understorey of ferns. It provides a peaceful, meditative break from the sun-drenched (and often wind-swept) ridges. Keep an eye out for the unique geological formations along the coast—the area is a fascinating mix of rugged cliffs and gentle slopes that tell a story of millions of years of coastal erosion and tectonic uplift.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward. From Nelson, it’s about a 20-minute drive north. Follow State Highway 6 and turn off onto Cable Bay Road. Follow this winding, scenic road all the way to the end.
The official starting point is located at 821 Cable Bay Road. You’ll find a good-sized parking area directly in front of the sign signalling the start of the track. If that’s full, there is additional parking nearby on the stony beach area. The parking is generally considered safe, but as with any popular trailhead, it’s always a good idea to keep your valuables out of sight or take them with you.
The Cable Bay Walkway is a fantastic spot for bird lovers. Because the trail moves between open farmland and dense bush, you get a great variety of species.
In the forested sections, keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī and the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings that signals a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) flying overhead. These large, iridescent green and white birds are very common here year-round. You’ll also likely be joined by the inquisitive Pīwakawaka (Fantail), which loves to follow hikers to snatch up the tiny insects disturbed by your footsteps.
Keep a sharp eye on the ground for the Weka, a flightless and notoriously cheeky bird known for its curiosity. Near the shoreline and the estuary at the start of the walk, you might even spot a Kororā (Little Blue Penguin) if you are there at dawn or dusk, or the Banded Dotterel, which is occasionally seen during the spring and summer months.
This is a true year-round trail, but each season brings a different flavour to the experience:
Best time to start: I recommend an early morning start, around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. This allows you to tackle the heaviest climb before the midday sun hits and ensures you are back in time for a late lunch.
Note for families and pet owners: While this track is kid-friendly for older children with a good level of fitness, it might be a bit much for very young kids due to the steepness and total distance. Also, please note that dogs are not allowed on this walkway to protect the livestock and native birdlife.
Cable Bay, or Kāpuatone, holds a significant place in New Zealand’s history. It is most famous for being the site of New Zealand’s first overseas telegraph cable link to Australia, which opened in 1876. This transformed communication for the young colony, turning what was once a weeks-long wait for news into a matter of hours.
The area is also deeply significant to local Māori. The Horoirangi Marine Reserve, which sits just offshore, is named after an ancestral figure, and the coastline has been a source of mahinga kai (food gathering) for centuries.
Geologically, the Boulder Bank you see from the heights is one of the most unique features in the world. It is a 13km-long natural spit of granodiorite boulders, formed by longshore drift. Seeing it from the elevation of the Cable Bay Walkway is the best way to appreciate its immense scale.
There is no better way to reward yourself after 7 hours on the trail than a visit to the Cable Bay Cafe. Located just a few hundred metres from the trailhead, this is a local favourite for a reason.
The cafe is famous for its 'Cable Baygels'—delicious, loaded bagels that are perfect for refueling. They also offer a great range of fresh cabinet food, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. If the sun is out, grab a seat in their outdoor area. Sipping a flat white while looking out over the beach you just walked above is the perfect end to a day in Nelson.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round