TOURS
Cable Bay Guided Kayak Tours
Immerse yourself in nature.
Leaving from Cable Bay beach, we paddle out to discover caves, beaches, waterfalls, bird life, seals and dolphins, all just 20 minutes from Nelson central. We offer half day and full day trips, and are an intertidal eco tour operator. On our kayak trips you'll experience padding along the sea coastline in a small group.
We're the only kayak operator on these waters, and often we're the only boats in sight.
Cable Bay Explorer
The Cable Bay Explorer is a half-day guided trip paddling the rugged and secluded coastline of Pepin Island.
This trip is great for both first time paddlers and those that are experienced kayakers. A minimal level of fitness is required for sea kayaking trips. The pace is always adjusted to suit the group and we have frequent comfort stops. Our guides will show you easy ways to paddle to rapidly develop your skills. That said, enthusiasm is more important than fitness.
Note: Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, minimum age is 6 years.
* We reserve the right to cancel trips or alter schedules if weather conditions are not suitable for group safety.
* Sightings of dolphins and seals, although frequent, cannot be guaranteed.
What to wear
Shorts, a light top, a warm top and light footwear. Our spray skirts will keep you relatively dry. It can get a bit breezy on the water so a warm top is recommended.
Duration
Trips usually 3½ to 4 hours.
(times vary with season and tides)
We kick off around 8.30/ 9am and have you back at Cable Bay beach by 12pm.
What to bring
Swimming gear and towel
Change of clothes
Camera
Sunglasses, sunscreen and sun hat
Water bottle
Getting there
We offer pick-up and drop-offs from Nelson central, just let us know when you book if you need transport and we'll meet you at your location for pick up – this is generally 30 mins before the trip.
Our kayaks
We use double kayaks on all of our trips. Double kayaks are more stable and make the paddling a bit easier. If you’re booking just for yourself you’ll either be in with our guide or paired with another paddler.
Price
$100 per person. If you’re booking for 4 or more, $90 pp. Children under 14yrs $80 pp. Nelson locals $90 pp, If you're a local please share proof of address when you book.
Awesome Day!!
“We had the most fantastic day out with Greig. At all times we felt completely safe even though we were beginners and it was so much fun! I would thoroughly recommend to anyone to spend a day or a half day out at Cable Bay.”
Rachel, TripAdvisor
We’re Hooked!
“I had such a fantastic half-day trip at Pepin Island. Greig provides the perfect balance of instruction on the kayaks and historical knowledge of the island and total appreciation of the land, sea and animals. We enjoyed it so much that we’re planning a summer of sea kayaking. Can’t wait to get out on the water again! Thanks Greig! You were AWESOME! ”
Wendy & Tyler, TripAdvisor
Fabulous Sea Kayaking Trip
“We had a great few hours with Greig, despite being relative novices he made us feel safe and in control the whole time. Insights into the wildlife and local history were fascinating, and gave us a real taste for doing more.”
Derrick T, London UK
Blue Waters and Jagged Coastline
“Had a great time with my boyfriend, we are both novices, but our guide was well-informed, interested in conversation, and made things easy and pleasant. We chose this over Abel Tasman kayaking/visit as we were short on time, and I think it was a very good choice. Valued the remote quality, no one else really around. :) ”
Emily G, TripAdvisor
Cable Bay Pioneer
This is a more adventurous kayak trip; from the clear tranquil estuarine waters to the caves, coves, blowholes and waterfalls - Pepin Island is the most diverse paddle the region has to offer. Seals and seabirds, swimming and snorkelling or just relaxing on a secluded beach make this island circumnavigation unforgettable.
This trip is best for enthusiastic paddlers to experienced kayakers. A minimal level of fitness is required for sea kayaking trips. The pace is always adjusted to suit the group and we have frequent comfort stops. Our guides will show you easy ways to paddle to rapidly develop your skills.
if you're looking for a trip for the family, the Cable Bay Pioneer can be a long day for children. We’d generally recommend the Cable Bay Explorer as a good amount of time for children to be on the water.
* We reserve the right to cancel trips or alter schedules if weather conditions are not suitable for group safety.
* Sightings of dolphins and seals, although frequent, cannot be guaranteed.
What to wear
Shorts, a light top, a warm top and light footwear. Our spray skirts will keep you relatively dry. It can get a bit breezy on the water so a warm top is recommended.
Duration
Trip lasts approx 6-7 hours. We generally kick off at 8.30am (depending on tides) and get back to Cable Bay beach at around 3.30pm.
What to bring
Lunch and snacks
Swimming gear and towel
Change of clothes
Camera
Sunglasses, sunscreen and sun hat
Water bottle
Getting there
We offer pick-up and drop-offs from Nelson central, just let us know when you book if you need transport and we'll meet you at your location for pick up – this is generally 30 mins before the trip.
Our kayaks
We use double kayaks on all of our trips. Double kayaks are more stable and make the paddling a bit easier. If you’re booking just for yourself you’ll either be in with our guide or paired with another paddler.
Price
$160 per person. If you’re booking for 4 or more, $150 pp. Children under 14yrs $140 pp. Nelson locals $150 pp, If you're a local please share proof of address when you book.
Best Kayaking Trip Ever!
“We had the best kayaking trip ever around Pepin Island, fantastic scenery ,caves ,lovely wildlife, awesome snorkeling. Greig just made the day , nice and relaxed . Such an exciting kayaking trip and we have done a few, our youth are still buzzing from the day.”
Bridget K, Westport NZ
One of our Best Experiences in NZ
“We are still under a great impression of our day Kayak tour around the island Pepin. Our guide Greig was the kind of guide you want to have. With his support we completed a 10km course we couldn't have believed before. It was a magnificent day we shall not forget. Thank you so much Greig for the wonderful day. ”
Michal & Joseph, TripAdvisor
Blue Waters
“Having never been sea kayaking this was my first foray. I had some hesitations but Greig was a great guide and made sure even the least sea-capable of us were in good hands. We heard that Abel Tasman can get crowded, so I am glad we did Cable Bay instead as it was super chill and felt more intimate. This part of New Zealand is so beautiful and it was fun kayaking through narrow caves.”
Genex, Bangalore India
Cable Bay Kayak Adventure
“We had a very nice and interesting kayak trip around Pepin Island today.
Greig showed us wildlife and took us through different caves and arches.
He told us many stories about live in this area in the past and gave us plenty time to relax for a swim or a snorkel.”
John H, Auckland NZ
BOOK CABLE BAY PIONEER
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We're the only kayak operator on these beautiful waters,
and often we're the only boats in sight.