Cable Bay, Nelson

A remote-feeling beach on a narrow bank of boulders, with Tasman Bay on one side and an estuary on the other. It's named after the telegraph cable that came ashore here in 1876, linking New Zealand to Australia. It's a quiet spot for a picnic, a swim or a paddle that many tourists miss.

The Cable Bay Walkway climbs over the farm and coastal hills, through native bush, to the Glen, with great views over the bay; allow 3 to 4 hours one way. It crosses private farmland and is closed each year for lambing (roughly August to October), so check before you go. Kayak hire and guided sea-kayak trips run from the beach.