blurry placeholderCable Bay Walkway taken by Bare Kiwi

Cable Bay

Rotokura

Uncover the beauty of Rotokura Cable Bay

Pronunciation Guide: (Raw-tor-coo-dah)

Rotokura Cable Bay is a hidden gem in our region, only a 20-minute drive from Nelson City. With its sparkling waters, lush landscapes, and peaceful pebble shores, Cable Bay invites you to immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity. 

blurry placeholderCable Bay by Pepin Island Farm
blurry placeholderCable Bay Adventure Park Skywire credit George Guille 3

Quick fact in celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

Rotokura, at the Maheipuku (Pepin Island) end of the Boulder Bank at Cable Bay, was home to a small kainga about 600+ years ago during the archaic or moa-hunter era. Rotokura is named for the red lake that is still partially there today.

The bay’s crystal clear water is gorgeous and rims a fine rock beach with some sandy patches.

Great for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, and at low tide it’s a great rock pooling spot where you’re likely to see starfish, sea slugs, crabs and other interesting sea life. Situated right next to the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, Cable Bay is a popular snorkeling and diving destination, and also a drawcard for kayakers who come to explore the rough coastline, serene bays, beaches and caves.

A bay with an interesting past, Rotokura has evidence of Māori occupation back to about 1150 CE; the area was a fishing ground, and a campsite was maintained there. Archaeological evidence also shows Māori interaction with three different types of moa at this site.

The laying of New Zealand's first international telegraph cable gave the bay its 19th-century name, Cable Bay.

The operation, from Sydney to Cable Bay, took 11 days and transmission began on 21 February 1876.

A walkway overlooks the bay and provides stunning vistas of Te Tai-o-Aorere/Tasman Bay. For those that like a longer walk, the walkway continues on across farmland that runs adjacent to the marine reserve, taking hikers on a beautiful journey around the coast, and the middle section of the track passes through a patch of beautiful and varied native forest, before ending at Glenduan – known as ‘The Glen’ to locals. The walkway offers wonderful coastal views of the Boulder Bank, Nelson City and Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks.

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Places to stay in Cable Bay

blurry placeholderRocky Point Hut

Pepin Island walk to stay at Rocky Point Hut

Rocky Point Hut is a beautiful and unique little hut that is ideal for an adventurous and romantic retreat away with a special someone.
from NZ$190
 
blurry placeholderKikorangi Retreat "Delaware Bay Nelson Holiday Home"

Kikorangi Retreat

Surrounded by bird song, spectacular & constantly changing estuary views, established orchards & veggie gardens, Kikorangi Retreat is the perfect getaway for a unique, relaxed & peaceful New Zealand experience.
from NZ$350
 

Places to eat in Cable Bay

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Base Café

Located on the premises of Cable Bay Adventure Park, only 15 minutes from Nelson, and is set in a nice rural setting.
Silver Partner