Cable Bay and Pepin Island
Pepin Island is an adventurous half day paddle less than an hour from Nelson! This is an excellent trip for some exciting rock hopping, with caves and passageways to explore. Cable Bay also makes an excellent spot to play and spend some time on good weather days!
Quick Facts
Start / Finish - Cable Bay Road, Cable Bay, 7071
Distance - 11km
Time - 2-3 hours
Difficulty - Moderate to hard
Tides - Paddle clockwise if you are finishing close to high water, or anti-clockwise if you're starting close to high water
Cautions - Swell here makes for exciting conditions. Anything more than 0.5m on SUP, or 1m on kayak will give advanced and challenging conditions. There are no easy landings if the swell is coming from the North, West or Northwest and the Northern side is remote. Don't be afraid to turn back if the conditions are too much for you, although consider whether continuing on will get you to shelter first.
Key Planning Information
Wind
Swell
The Pepin Island trip is an excellent half day paddle from Cable Bay, especially if you're looking for some good rock hopping! Park at the far end of the causeway road which connects Pepin Island to the mainland. You can paddle around Pepin Island either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The main factor in this decision is the time of high tide at Cable Bay. The lagoon to the south of where you've parked becomes completely dry at low tide which will make for a 2.5km portage across mud. You therefore need to aim to be in the lagoon one hour either side of high water. The description given here is for a clockwise paddle. Consider also which direction the swell is coming from. This will give you an idea of whether you can expect the trip to get easier or harder the further you paddle
As you leave cable bay, aim to hug in to the cliffs. There are tunnels and caves to explore almost right from the start and this is a good place to warm up.
As you come around the North Western corner, keep your eyes on the lookout for gaps to paddle through. There are several small islands just offshore of the main island which provide an exciting channel to paddle through. As you come through the passage at Māheipuku Point the view into the Marlborough Sounds will open out in front of you! Between Palisade and Puketī Point (just before the North Eastern corner of Pepin Island) there is the best tunnel to go through. It's easy to miss, so make sure you're exploring all the inlets!
As you paddle down the Eastern side of Pepin Island the cliffs will eventually give way to grassy bank, you're almost at the end of the trip here. You'll see Māori Pā Beach stretching across the horizon in front of you. While it looks tempting to land here, you should stay in your boats. This is a Māori burial ground and is therefore sacred and off limits to visitors. Keep close to Pepin island and you'll soon see the entrance into the lagoon. The sea can flow very fast through here, enjoy the assistance shooting you forwards! Stay in the main channel all the way back, this is likely to bring you back towards Pepin Island and your car.
There is a great cafe for after your trip in cable bay (also does great local beers if you're not driving!). Stay the night at the very friendly campsite next to the cafe!