Top things to do in Cable Bay

Cable Bay Sunset Web Res credit cjmaddock

Walk the Cable Bay Walkway

The Cable Bay Walkway extends from the historically significant shingle beach of Cable Bay to the coastal Glenduan township and is approximately a 3.5-hour walk one way. The starting point is entirely up to you - both ends of the track require a bit of a scramble at the beginning, but the rewards are sure worth it. From Cable Bay, the track crosses undulating farmland with a steep ascent to the top of the hill. Walkers are treated to 360-degree views over the sheltered and rocky Cable Bay inlet, the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, the Tasman Bay seascape and lush native forest. Quite possibly one of the region’s most iconic walking tracks, the Cable Bay Walkway offers the ultimate combination of coastal scenery, rolling pastures and native bush – a true insight into New Zealand’s unique landscapes.

Top tip: A sunset stroll here is the experience of a lifetime.

Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire credit George Guille 3

Feel the thrill with a Skywire experience

Test the limits of your comfort zone at Cable Bay Adventure Park, a thrill-seekers paradise home to the longest-flying fox in the world. You can experience the Skywire as part of a quad-biking tour or go at it alone. Situated 300m above the Base Café and offering 800m of gravity-assisted freewheeling fun, you’ll reach speeds of up to 100kph as you pass over the native forest below. Whizzing through the sky, you’ll slow to a leisurely pace to enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and the rugged western ranges before doing it all over again backwards.

Sheep Station credit Pepin Island Farm 2

Take a farm tour of Pepin Island

Pepin Island is a privately-owned island connected to the Cable Bay causeway. A working sheep station that winters over 2,000 sheep, visitors will experience island life and farm life all in one go aboard a 4WD farm tour. The tour showcases the distinct and spectacular landscapes of the island, including native bush, rolling pastures, pebbled beaches and staggering rock-scapes. Observing the sheepdogs at work, and sometimes even sheep-shearing in the beach-front wool-shed, make this an experience that is second to none. The great news is that three huts are scattered around the island, so if you’re left wanting more, you can extend your stay and continue exploring this little pocket of paradise

Snorkel or dive in the marine reserve

The Horoirangi Marine Reserve stretches between Cable Bay and Glenduan and comprises rugged boulder reefs crafted from the steep, staggering bluffs along the coast. The area thrives with marine life, making it the perfect place for a snorkelling or diving adventure. In the depths of the reef, you’ll see starfish and anemones clinging to the rocks, whilst crustaceans scuttle amongst interlacing boulders and a variety of fish slip playfully through the seaweed. Home to crayfish, blue cod, tarakihi and snapper, some of the best snorkelling and diving can be found around Mackay Bluff and near Ataata Point north of the reserve. Little ones may also enjoy snorkelling near the beach at Cable Bay. Note: It is important to remember that this area is protected, so you must not disturb, remove or kill marine life.

Sunset bean bags and Pepin Island credit Peak View Retreat

Stay in a mountaintop retreat

Base yourself on cloud nine at a private mountain-top retreat overlooking Cable and Delaware Bay. Peak View Retreat is a luxury private villa set on an 88-ha estate of native bush. It offers expansive coastal and rural views, a wood-fired hot tub, two en-suite bedrooms, and all the modern comforts you could possibly dream of.

There's an uphill trail (Rainbow Unicorn) for those not on shuttles, with great views back across the park (when it's not cloudy).

Tear up the tracks and go mountain biking

Cable Bay Adventure Park has diverse trails to suit all abilities. Whether you bring your bike or rent one from the adventure park, you'll get to enjoy steep, technical native tracks. From spectacular viewpoints, you'll witness unparalleled scenery of the Cable Bay coast whilst navigating lush native forest, 4x4 access roads and epic farm trails. An on-demand shuttle is available if riding uphill is something you'd rather skip, and if mountain biking isn't your thing, you can hire an e-bike and take a more cruisy trip up to the Bay View lookout.

Targets credit Cable Bay Shooting Adventures 2

Go to a shooting range

If you’re looking for a dose of adrenaline, you’ve come to the right place. Cable Bay is renowned as an adventure destination, so why not try your hand at some target shooting? Indulge in a duelling tree race or test your aim as you focus on a range of flying clays. Whether you’re visiting as a group or if you’d prefer a one-on-one experience, this outback attraction promises something a little out of the ordinary.

Cable Bay Adventure Park Quadbiking credit George Guille 11

Have some four-wheeled fun

Cable Bay is one of the only places in Nelson Tasman where you can go on a guided quad-biking adventure. Whether you’re looking for all the thrills and spills or prefer something a little more slow-paced, these tours are designed to suit all ages and abilities. A ride on these four-wheeled fun machines promises a memorable day out for all as you traverse undulating muddy terrain and navigate forest trails. The Bayview Circuit tour should be on everyone’s bucket list, treating riders to panoramic views over Delaware Bay.