Guide to Cable Bay Adventure Park

Cable Bay Adventure Park is known for combining big-sky scenery with hands-on adventure. Its signature experience is the Skywire – a multi-seat zipline-style ride that sends you soaring at up to 100 km/h across a native forest valley. Suspended in an open-air frame, you glide forward and back across a 1.6 km span with views over Cable Bay and Delaware Bay. It’s regularly listed as one of the longest rides of its kind in the world. 

Beyond the Skywire, the park runs: 

• Guided quad bike tours across forest and farm trails 

• Paintball and e-bike hire 

• Animal feeding, a small kids’ area, and bush-lined walking tracks 

• Shuttles for mountain bikers, with trails from grade 3 to grade 6 

For travellers in a campervan, it's a convenient stop where you can bundle active experiences and kid-friendly time without needing to move between venues. The Base Café serves casual meals and coffee with indoor and outdoor seating. 

How long should I spend at Cable Bay Adventure Park? 

Plan for at least 3–4 hours if you want to get the most out of your visit. 

• Skywire sessions take around 1.5 hours, including a guided 4 km shuttle up to the launch site, safety briefing, and ride. 

• Quad biking tours run between 90 and 150 minutes, depending on the route. The Farm & Forest loop is a popular option, while the Bayview route includes longer ridge-top sections. 

• If you’re short on time, a single Skywire ride plus a meal or drink at the café can be done in under two hours. 

The Base Café is open daily from around 9 am to 4 pm in summer (closed Christmas Day), with vegan and gluten-free options available. 

Is Cable Bay Adventure Park worth visiting?

Yes. The Skywire offers a unique combination of thrill and scenery that you won’t find elsewhere in New Zealand. It’s a standout experience in the Nelson Tasman region, and works well for couples, families, and road trippers looking to break up the drive with something hands-on. 

Quad biking gives you access to bush, farmland, and coastal viewpoints that would otherwise take hours on foot. For younger kids or those after a slower pace, the animal feeding area and short riverside trails are ideal. 

How to get to Cable Bay Adventure Park

Cable Bay Adventure Park is located at 194 Cable Bay Road, Hira, just north of Nelson. 

• From Nelson city: Drive north via SH6, then follow Cable Bay Road. The drive takes around 15 minutes. 

• From Nelson Airport: Around 30 minutes by road. 

• From the Cable Bay/Glenduan coast: The park is set slightly inland, behind the beachside settlement of Cable Bay. 

Access is via sealed roads almost all the way, with internal access roads to reach the reception and Base Café. 

Best time to visit Cable Bay Adventure Park 

The park operates year-round thanks to Nelson’s reliable sunshine and mild climate. Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for clearer views and fewer crowds. 

Daily operating hours are typically 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week in peak season. The Skywire may operate on reduced hours or selected days in winter. 

Best time of day: Morning through early afternoon (9 am–3 pm) offers better light for photos, clearer views from the quad tracks, and usually gentler winds for the Skywire ride. Some activities may be delayed or rescheduled if strong wind or rain sets in. 

Weather at Cable Bay Adventure Park

Nelson Tasman is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand, but conditions on the ridgelines and trails can vary. 

Expect: 

• Strong sun and glare – sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle are essential 

• Dust on dry days, particularly on quad trails 

• Mud and slippery patches if it’s been raining, which can affect handling and clothing 

The Skywire runs in most weather conditions but may pause for high winds. Dress in layers and check the forecast before heading out. 

Best place to park your campervan at Cable Bay Adventure Park

On-site parking is available at the main base area and is suitable for campervans. Parking is free and close to reception, with enough space for large vehicles. Most visitors park here for a few hours while they take part in booked activities. 

If you plan to stay nearby overnight, Cable Bay Holiday Park is about 6 km further along Cable Bay Road. It offers powered and non-powered campervan sites, hot showers, and access to the beach and coastal walks. This is the best option if you want to explore the wider area across a couple of days.