Exploring the Cable Bay Walkway
Situated at the beginning of the boulder bank at Cable Bay, just north of Nelson in the Tasman Bay region, the Cable Bay Walkway is a rewarding hike that offers breathtaking views. As you climb the grassy hill to 250 metres above the bay, you will enjoy sweeping vistas of Tasman Bay.
Scenic Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
The walkway starts with a steep 1 km ascent to Sentinel Hill. From this vantage point, the views across Tasman Bay are remarkable, with Abel Tasman National Park visible in the distance. To the north, the trail meanders above a steep coastline, traversing farmland before entering a blend of native forest and exotic pines. The path rises and falls, reaching an elevation of about 400 metres.
This varied landscape continues to provide a picturesque setting as you descend the final ridge towards Gleduan, a small beachside settlement northeast of Nelson. Gleduan's beach is notable for its pebbles and rocks.
The hike to Sentinel Hill and back takes approximately 40 minutes, while the full one-way walk requires about 3.5 hours.
How to get there
To reach the start of the Cable Bay Walkway from Nelson, drive north on State Highway 6 to Cable Bay Road. Follow this road to its end, where you can park next to the track in Cable Bay.
In addition to the Cable Bay Walkway, other nearby walks include the Maitai River, Maitai Valley, and Botanical Hill tracks.
