THE AREA
Cable Bay & Pepin Island
Cable Bay history, landscape and wildlife.
Cable Bay is a 20-minute scenic drive from Nelson, about 8kms from the SH.1 turnoff. Named Rotokura by local Maori, the beach faces westward hence the translation of 'Red light over water'. The area comprises Cable and Delaware Bays separated by Pepin Island with the Wakapuaka estuary in behind. Cable Bay beach is a natural boulder barrier to the sea and the rugged coastline is part of the Nelson mineral belt. These old igneous formations weathered by the sea form an intricate labyrinth of caves, corridors and islets navigable only by kayak.
Cable Bay in the history books
The area is historically significant with evidence of pre-European activity through wahi tapu (sacred) sites and in more recent times became renown as the scene of the heroic rescue of crew of the Brig Delaware by local Maori.
Cable Bay is also famous for it’s part to play in connecting New Zealand to the world, through the terminus of the first overseas communications link, Sydney to New Zealand.
Read more about the history of Cable Bay on our mates website,
Cable Bay Holiday Park
About Pepin Island
Pepin Island is privately-owned and is connected to the mainland by a land strip that sees Cable Bay Beach on one side, and a marine reserve on the other. The intricate labyrinth of caves, corridors and islets also provide an ideal habitat for nesting sea birds, Spotted Cormorants, White Fronted Terns, Black Backed Gulls, Little Blue Penguins. A haul out for the Southern Fur seal as well as a wide variety of fish and sea life in the clear kelp rich water.
The estuary has its own eco system with shellfish and seaweed providing food and habitat for a wide range of waders and cormorants.
For those wishing to stay a while and savour this idyllic patch of paradise,
here are some suggested accommodation providers:
Cable Bay Holiday Park
Cable Bay Holiday Park, just 2 mins stroll to the beach and surrounding walks.
Cable Bay Nest
Stay in an architecturally designed chalet, boasting beautiful views of the area.
Pepin Island
Experience the region from a unique perspective with a stay at Rocky Point Hut.
Wakefield House
This heritage villa offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodation, just 8 metres from the sea, overlooking Tasman Bay and the harbour entrance on New Zealand's beautiful Nelson waterfront.