Cable Bay Walkway
Walking track
Time:
3 hr 30 min one way
Getting there
Buses and other forms of public transport are common in the area but there are no scheduled services to this walk.
The walkway starts at either Cable Bay, 21 km north of Nelson, or the Glen, 12 km out of the city.
About the area
The plains and low hills between Nelson and Motueka are known as the Waimea Basin. Tramping, hunting, watersports and walks through historically and ecologically significant areas await visitors.
Evidence of Maori occupation in the Cable Bay area (Rotokura) dates back to about 1150 AD; the area was a fishing ground and a campsite was maintained there. Delaware Bay, across the estuary, was the site of the main pa. In 1863, the pa occupants heroically rescued the crew of the Delaware during a terrible storm.
Cable Bay was once known as Schroders Mistake, after a Nelson skipper mistook the bay for another and put his boat on the rocks there. The laying of New Zealand's first international telegraph cable gave the bay its modern name. The operation, from Sydney to Cable Bay, took 11 days and transmission began on 21 February 1876. A fire razed the station in 1914 and in 1917 the cable was moved to Titahi Bay, near Wellington.
Description
Cable Bay
The complete walk takes about 3½ hours one way, and requires transport arrangements to be made. From the Cable Bay end a shorter return trip is to the top of the first hill (1 hr return) or to the forest edge (2 hr return). From the Glen end, a round trip to the airstrip and back takes about 2 hours.
Cable Bay Walkway offers wonderful coastal views of the Boulder Bank, Nelson City and Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks. The middle section of the track passes through a patch of beautiful and varied native forest.
The track is a walking track. It is steep in places and strong footwear is recommended.
Activities
Diving/snorkelling
Kayaking/canoeing
Motor boating
Kayaking and Boating
Kayaking and boating are popular activities at Cable Bay.
Diving/snorkelling
Horoirangi Marine Reserve is situated 12km north of Nelson city, Horoirangi Marine Reserve extends north-east from Glenduan ("The Glen") to Ataata Point, the southern headland of Cable Bay. Some of the best diving and snorkelling is found towards the north of the reserve, especially near Ataata Point.
Places to stay
Camping is prohibited in this area. Private accommodation is widely available in the Waimea Basin.
Plan and prepare
- The entire walkway crosses private farmland and is closed during lambing for part of each spring.
- No dogs are allowed at any time.
- Please respect the stock and farm property.
- Be wary of sudden weather changes.
- Light fires only in designated areas.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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