Cable Bay Walkway (Glenduan End)

Point to point

The descent into Cable Bay is just as scenic as the start, eventually depositing you at the beach where the first international telegraph cable once connected New Zealand to the rest of the world. Because this is a point-to-point track, you’ll need to have a vehicle waiting at the Cable Bay end or arrange a shuttle, unless you’re feeling particularly heroic and decide to walk the 8km back the way you came!

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Boulder Bank view is undoubtedly the star of the show. Seeing this 13-kilometre natural formation from 600 metres above gives you a real appreciation for the unique geography of the Nelson region.

Another standout is the Horoirangi Marine Reserve. As you walk along the high coastal cliffs, look straight down (if you have the stomach for heights!) to see the rugged boulder reefs and turquoise waters. It’s a wild, untouched stretch of coastline that feels a world away from the city.

For the photographers, the mid-section airstrip is a great landmark. Near here, you’ll find a toilet facility and some perfectly placed benches. It’s the ideal spot to sit back, catch your breath, and soak in the 360-degree views that stretch from the North Island’s Marlborough Sounds across to the mountains of the West Coast.

Getting There

The Glenduan trailhead is easy to find. From Nelson, head north on State Highway 6 towards Blenheim. After about 10 minutes, turn left onto Glen Road and follow it all the way to the coast.

Parking: There is no dedicated car park right at the trailhead. You’ll need to park your car on the roadside near the beach in Glenduan. From there, it’s a short walk to the end of Airlie Street, where you’ll find the gate that marks the start of the walkway. Please be mindful of local residents and ensure you aren’t blocking any driveways.

Wildlife Spotting

The Cable Bay Walkway is a fantastic spot for bird lovers, especially as you move between the coastal farm and the native bush.

• Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon): Look for these large, heavy-set birds in the forested sections. You’ll often hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you see them.
• Tūī and Korimako (Bellbird): These nectar-feeders are common year-round. Their melodic, chiming songs provide the soundtrack to the native forest portion of the walk.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds will often follow you along the forest path, flitting around to catch the insects you disturb as you walk.
• Australasian Harrier (Kāhu): Watch the skies over the open farmland. These large birds of prey are often seen soaring on the thermals, hunting for mice or small birds in the grass.
• Western Weka: You might spot these cheeky, flightless birds scurrying into the scrub near the Cable Bay end. Keep an eye on your lunch—they are notorious thieves!

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer: Offers the best chance of clear, blue-sky days, but the track is very exposed. Start early (around 8:00 AM) to beat the heat of the afternoon sun.
• Autumn & Spring: These are arguably the best times to go. The air is crisp, the farm animals are active (lambs in spring!), and the temperatures are perfect for a steep climb.
• Winter: The views are often sharpest in winter, with snow visible on the distant Kahurangi ranges. However, the forest section can become very muddy, so sturdy hiking boots are a non-negotiable.

• Water: There are no water taps along the way, so carry at least 1.5 to 2 litres per person.
• Sun protection: Even on cloudy days, the coastal wind masks the strength of the sun. Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Footwear: While the farmland is easy-going, the steep start and the muddy bush sections require boots with good grip.
• Windcheater: The ridgeline is prone to strong nor'west winds. Even on a warm day, the wind chill can be significant.

Local & Regional Context

This area holds deep significance for both Māori and European history. The name Horoirangi (the marine reserve and the surrounding hills) translates to "shrouded in heaven" or "cleansed by the heavens," a fitting name for a place where the clouds often cling to the high ridges.

For early European settlers, Cable Bay was a vital link to the world. In 1876, the first undersea telegraph cable was laid from here across the Tasman Sea to La Perouse in Sydney. Before this, news from England took months to arrive by ship; suddenly, it took mere hours. While the original cable station is gone, the sense of history remains at the Cable Bay end of the track.

Geologically, the area is fascinated by the Nelson Boulder Bank, which is composed of granodiorite rocks that have migrated south from Mackay Bluff over thousands of years through a process called longshore drift. You’ll have a front-row seat to this geological marvel for the first half of your walk.

After the Walk

Once you emerge at the Cable Bay end, you’ll likely be ready for some refreshments.

• Cable Bay Café: Located just a few hundred metres from the end of the track, this is the ultimate post-hike reward. They offer great coffee, homemade cakes, and hearty lunches. Sitting in their garden after a 3.5-hour tramp is pure bliss.
• The Sprig & Fern (Milton St, Nelson): If you’ve headed back into Nelson city, stop by this local institution. It’s a favourite for hikers wanting a craft beer and a basket of hot chips to celebrate a successful day on the hills.
• Hibi (Glenduan): If you left your car at the Glenduan end and are heading back that way, look for local spots in the city on your drive back; Nelson is famous for its fruit stalls and small boutique eateries.

This walk is kid-friendly for older children or those with a good level of stamina, but remember there is no shade for the first two hours, so keep them hydrated! Unfortunately, because the track crosses a working farm with livestock, it is not dog-friendly.

The Cable Bay Walkway is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through the heart of what makes the Nelson Tasman region so special. From the "grunty" climbs to the silent, mossy forests, it’s a trail that will stay with you long after you’ve kicked off your boots.