CABLE BAY TRACK, NELSON – WHERE THE HILLS DROP INTO THE SEA
26 AUGUST 2025
Cable Bay is an incredibly picturesque bay in the Nelson Tasman region, at the top of the South Island. It's tucked away off the main highway so it's a great spot to explore without the big crowds. The main attraction on this track is the view across the bay towards Pepin Island, where at hightide two shades of blue water meet in the middle which looks so beautiful!
The beauty of this track is you can do the whole thing or stop and turn around when you feel like it because it's a steep ascent up Sentinel Hill, which means that the views start pretty early on. The photos really speak for themselves as to how beautiful this track is and why you need to do it - so let's get into it!
The beauty of this track is you can do the whole thing or stop and turn around when you feel like it because it's a steep ascent up Sentinel Hill, which means that the views start pretty early on. The photos really speak for themselves as to how beautiful this track is and why you need to do it - so let's get into it!
What's in this guide
- Trail overview & what to expect on the hike
- How to get to the Cable Bay track
- What to bring on the hike
- Tips for visiting Cable Bay
- Best time to hike the Cable Bay track
- Facilities & amenities
- Nearby Spots to Explore
Trail Overview & What to Expect
Track Length: 16kms return to do the whole track to Glenduan
Return Time: 1 hour return to the top of Sentinel Hill, 2 hours return to the forest and 7 hours return to Glenduan (see Tips for Visiting as you don't need to do the whole track to get the amazing view across the bay!)
Elevation gain: 410m
Difficulty: Moderate
I'm a sucker for a track with views that start almost immediately, which makes the Cable Bay Track one of the top hikes in the South Island for me! It's in beautiful spot in the Nelson Tasman region and I love visiting during all seasons.
The first section of the track takes you up a set of stairs as you make your way to the Cable Bay Lookout - this is an ideal spot for anyone who wants a better view across the beach than you'd see from the carpark and doesn't have time to do the whole track, or someone who looks up at Sentinel Hill and thinks "NO thanks, to steep for me!". A lot of people set up here just to chill and enjoy the views or have a picnic. There is a small wooden platform here and a little shelter with information panels about the area.
To get the best view across Cable Bay, you need to make your way to the top of Sentinel Hill, which is the hill you're looking up at behind you from the lookout. The track up is steep and you will meet lots of curious cattle along the way! Don't worry, they're harmless, just give them loads of space. During lambing season (early August - early October) you may see some cure little lambs and as tempting as it is to go and give them a cuddle, you'll need to give these guys lots of space too! It’s quite common for hikes in New Zealand to cross private farmland, and we’re fortunate that they do — it gives us the chance to explore parts of the country we’d otherwise never see. The track up the hill is steep in parts, so we ended up taking lots of breaks. There isn't an actual track up the hill but it's obvious to see where most people have walked - just keep an eye for fresh cow pats (poo)!
Once you get to the top, you're treated with the most incredible view across Cable Bay, Pepin Island, out into the vast ocean that stretches for miles, across so the Abel Tasman National park and along the rugged coastline to the forest which is the next part of the track. I absolutely LOVED the view from up here and I was so glad we were there are high tide so we could see the two bodies of water meeting in the middle. The shades are both different so it really does make for a gorgeous view. There are a whole lot of rocks and boulders scattered on the hill which adds to the magic of the scenery up here. We chose some boulders to chill on and have some lunch while we took in the view and watched ships and boats coming and going out in the ocean.
We weren't able to do the full track when we went - I can't remember the reason why (maybe closed for farming or logging in the forest), and it was a shame to not have gone further but I was truly happy with turning back from here as the view was amazing! This is a great place to turn back and head down the hill back to the carpark if you're short on time or just had enough. The rest of the track will take you through a native forest, past an airstrip and down to Glenduan and back.
Fun fact: Cable Bay was originally called Schroder’s Mistake, named after a Nelson skipper who mistook it for another bay and ran his vessel aground. The bay gained its current name when New Zealand’s first international telegraph cable was laid here, linking Sydney in Australia to Cable Bay in just 11 days! Transmission officially began on 21 February 1876 but unfortunately a fire destroyed the station in 1914 and in 1917 the cable was relocated to Titahi Bay, near Wellington in the North Island.
Return Time: 1 hour return to the top of Sentinel Hill, 2 hours return to the forest and 7 hours return to Glenduan (see Tips for Visiting as you don't need to do the whole track to get the amazing view across the bay!)
Elevation gain: 410m
Difficulty: Moderate
I'm a sucker for a track with views that start almost immediately, which makes the Cable Bay Track one of the top hikes in the South Island for me! It's in beautiful spot in the Nelson Tasman region and I love visiting during all seasons.
The first section of the track takes you up a set of stairs as you make your way to the Cable Bay Lookout - this is an ideal spot for anyone who wants a better view across the beach than you'd see from the carpark and doesn't have time to do the whole track, or someone who looks up at Sentinel Hill and thinks "NO thanks, to steep for me!". A lot of people set up here just to chill and enjoy the views or have a picnic. There is a small wooden platform here and a little shelter with information panels about the area.
To get the best view across Cable Bay, you need to make your way to the top of Sentinel Hill, which is the hill you're looking up at behind you from the lookout. The track up is steep and you will meet lots of curious cattle along the way! Don't worry, they're harmless, just give them loads of space. During lambing season (early August - early October) you may see some cure little lambs and as tempting as it is to go and give them a cuddle, you'll need to give these guys lots of space too! It’s quite common for hikes in New Zealand to cross private farmland, and we’re fortunate that they do — it gives us the chance to explore parts of the country we’d otherwise never see. The track up the hill is steep in parts, so we ended up taking lots of breaks. There isn't an actual track up the hill but it's obvious to see where most people have walked - just keep an eye for fresh cow pats (poo)!
Once you get to the top, you're treated with the most incredible view across Cable Bay, Pepin Island, out into the vast ocean that stretches for miles, across so the Abel Tasman National park and along the rugged coastline to the forest which is the next part of the track. I absolutely LOVED the view from up here and I was so glad we were there are high tide so we could see the two bodies of water meeting in the middle. The shades are both different so it really does make for a gorgeous view. There are a whole lot of rocks and boulders scattered on the hill which adds to the magic of the scenery up here. We chose some boulders to chill on and have some lunch while we took in the view and watched ships and boats coming and going out in the ocean.
We weren't able to do the full track when we went - I can't remember the reason why (maybe closed for farming or logging in the forest), and it was a shame to not have gone further but I was truly happy with turning back from here as the view was amazing! This is a great place to turn back and head down the hill back to the carpark if you're short on time or just had enough. The rest of the track will take you through a native forest, past an airstrip and down to Glenduan and back.
Fun fact: Cable Bay was originally called Schroder’s Mistake, named after a Nelson skipper who mistook it for another bay and ran his vessel aground. The bay gained its current name when New Zealand’s first international telegraph cable was laid here, linking Sydney in Australia to Cable Bay in just 11 days! Transmission officially began on 21 February 1876 but unfortunately a fire destroyed the station in 1914 and in 1917 the cable was relocated to Titahi Bay, near Wellington in the North Island.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How To Get To The Cable Bay Track
Cable Bay sits in the northwest of the South Island, in the Tasman Region near Nelson, and it’s only about a 30-minute drive from Nelson City.
From Nelson City Centre, head north on SH6 (Rocks Road), following signs toward Atawhai and Blenheim. After around 10–15 minutes, turn right onto Cable Bay Road. This is a winding and incredibly scenic road while you'll stay on for 8kms until you reach Cable Bay. At the end of the road, you’ll find a small carpark by the beach, next to some public toilets. The Cable Bay Walkway begins just to the left of the toilets where the bush is and you’ll see stairs leading up a hill. Click here for the Google Maps link
Alternatively, you can start the track from the Glenduan end (closer to the city). Head northeast out of Nelson, following SH6 and you'll turn left onto Glen Road after about 10kms, then this road becomes Seafield Terrace. There is no parking at the start of the track so you need to park your car just before the turn off into Airlie Street. The track begins around 550m up Airlie Street.
If you're coming from Marlborough, you'll pass through the Rai Valley then a town called Hira. Just after that, you will turn right onto Cable Bay Road and in 8kms you'll be in Cable Bay.
From Nelson City Centre, head north on SH6 (Rocks Road), following signs toward Atawhai and Blenheim. After around 10–15 minutes, turn right onto Cable Bay Road. This is a winding and incredibly scenic road while you'll stay on for 8kms until you reach Cable Bay. At the end of the road, you’ll find a small carpark by the beach, next to some public toilets. The Cable Bay Walkway begins just to the left of the toilets where the bush is and you’ll see stairs leading up a hill. Click here for the Google Maps link
Alternatively, you can start the track from the Glenduan end (closer to the city). Head northeast out of Nelson, following SH6 and you'll turn left onto Glen Road after about 10kms, then this road becomes Seafield Terrace. There is no parking at the start of the track so you need to park your car just before the turn off into Airlie Street. The track begins around 550m up Airlie Street.
If you're coming from Marlborough, you'll pass through the Rai Valley then a town called Hira. Just after that, you will turn right onto Cable Bay Road and in 8kms you'll be in Cable Bay.
|
|
|
|
What To Bring On The Hike
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Water
Snacks
Sun protection
Walking poles
Togs & towel
- The track can be steep and uneven in parts and it does cross farmland where cattle have made holes in the earth.
Water
- There’s no drinking water on the track so be sure to bring plenty, especially if you're doing the whole track. It can get HOT in summer and you will be very thirsty!
Snacks
- The ridgeline is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy some food while you look at an incredible view.
Sun protection
- There's no shade along the ridgeline and you will need a hat and sunnies on a clear day, especially in summer when the burn time is only 5 minutes. Also because this is a coastline track, the water can be super right!
Walking poles
- This is optional but if you like extra support on steep climbs and descents then I'd highly recommend poles as coming back down can be tough on the knees.
Togs & towel
- If you’re doing this track on a hot day, you might like to go for a swim at Cable Bay beach after your hike (it's right next to where you park your car!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tips For Visiting
- Start early if you're going to do the whole track as it is 7 hours return!
- You could organise transport for pick up at the other end if you don't plan on walking back again.
- There’s no public transport to the trailhead so you’ll need your own vehicle.
- You don't need to do the whole track to get amazing views, you can head up Sentinel Hill which takes 1 hour return, or to the forest edge which takes 2 hours return.
- The Cable Bay Cafe is not far down the road from the track and they make the most delicious homemade ginger beer and lemonade - perfect after a super hot hike.
- The track is open all year round but take care during early August to early October when it's lambing season. It's tempting to get close to the cute lambs but keep your distance.
- You may come across cattle on the track - they are harmless and will leave you alone... just be respectful and make sure you leave them alone too!
- You can start the track either at the Cable Bay end or the Glenduan end, as it is a there and back track. I prefer the Cable Bay end as I love heading up the hill to get the amazing view and then turn back down, go chill at Cable Bay Beach then head along to the Cable Bay Cafe!
- The track is steep in places, so be prepared for a great thigh work out!
- If you want to see the 2 bodies of water meeting in the bay, make sure you're at the top of Sentinel Hill at high tide!
|
|
|
|
When Is The Best Time to Hike The Cable Bay Track
- The Cable Bay Track can be done all year round but I do recommend going on a clear day as you get the most incredible views across the coast and across to the Abel Tasman National Park! The water in the bay will look extra blue on a sunny day too.
- If you are wanting to see the 2 bodies of water meeting in the bay, make sure you are at the top of the hill by high tide, otherwise you'll only see the water on the beach on the left side of the rocks and the tide will have taken the other side out completely.
- Summer (December–February): The summer sun can be a killer, so bring extra water, sunscreen and a hat (5 mins burn time!). Go for a refreshing swim at Cable Bay afterwards!
- Autumn (March–May): Cooler temperatures make the uphill sections more comfortable and you’ll often have the track to yourself.
- Winter (June–August): It’s totally doable and you won't get any snow but the track can be muddy and slippery after rain, and the shorter daylight hours mean you’ll need to start early if you're doing the full track return. Pack extra warm layers.
- Spring (September–November): This is a very scenic time to walk the track and the weather should be a bit warmer after winter. This is also lambing season, so you may get to see some gorgeous wee lambs on your walk!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Facilities & Amenities
- There are public toilets at Cable Bay Beach beside the trailhead.
- The Cable Bay Cafe is just down the road from the trailhead and this is the nearest food/drink place, otherwise stock up in Nelson.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Final Thoughts
The Cable Bay Track is one of the best day hikes in the Nelson Tasman region and I love how diverse it is, with the mix of farmland, forest, rugged coastline and the incredible ocean. It's awesome how the views are the whole way along the track, so you don't need to do the whole track if you don't have time or don't have the required fitness level. This is a great place to stop off at when driving between Nelson Tasman and Marlborough - even if it's just for a stop for some ice cold ginger beer and a swim at Cable Bay Beach.
Nearby Spots to Explore
Cable Bay is in one of the most beautiful spots in the Nelson Tasman region, so it’s safe to say there are many more amazing places nearby to explore (some further afield than others!):
- Mizazu Japanese Garden – A serene spot in Nelson with beautifully landscaped gardens, koi ponds and Japanese architecture.
- Centre of New Zealand – Right in Nelson, this lookout track offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills (although it's not teeechnically the centre of NZ!)
- Split Apple Rock – Located near Kaiteriteri, this naturally split boulder is one of the most photographed geological features in the region. It’s a short walk from the carpark through the forest.
- Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve – Located in Marlborough but not too far from Cable Bay, this reserve is famous for its giant native trees, swimming holes and the emerald green Pelorus River.
- Pics Peanut Butter Factory – Located in Nelson, this is a fun stop for peanut butter food lovers! They offer a free tour where you can see how their peanut butter is made and sample delicious New Zealand made flavours.
- Wainui Falls Track – Sitting on the western edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, this track takes you through lush native rainforest to a stunning waterfall. It almost feels like you have stepped back in time here!
Gallery of the Cable Bay Track
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
|
|
|
|
More Inspiration for Your NZ Trip
SEND US A MESSAGE, WE LOVE GETTING MAIL! |
DISCOVER |
FOLLOW US
BORING (BUT IMPORTANT LEGAL) STUFF |
