Last updated November 2026
Fifteen minutes from Nelson, Cable Bay Adventure Park is a privately run park on Cable Bay Road with more than 38 km of mountain bike terrain, much of it steep, technical and rocky riding through native forest.
The operator grades its trails from 3 to 5: a grade 3 section of four linked trails runs from top to bottom, with four grade 4 options and grade 5 trails beside it.
You ride on a day pass or a year pass, bought from the operator. Rental bikes and e-bikes are available, and the park’s Base Café is on site.
Practical Information
- Address
- 194 Cable Bay Road, RD1, Nelson
- Distance from the city
- About 15 minutes from Nelson, via State Highway 6 and Cable Bay Road
- Trails
- Over 38 km of terrain (Nelson Tasman); mostly native forest, steep, technical and rocky
- Grade
- Grade 3 (four linked trails, top to bottom), four grade 4 options and grade 5 trails; a flat Fun track for smaller kids
- Day pass
- Adult, child (under 16) and family day passes, half price for MTB club members; buy online or at the booking office
- Year pass
- Adult, child and family year passes, with club member rates
- Riding hours
- Day pass holders ride during business hours; after-hours riding is for members or by arrangement
- Under 13s
- Must be accompanied by an adult
- Facilities
- Base Café on site
- Status
- Check the Cable Bay Adventure Park website for current trail closures before you ride
About Cable Bay Adventure Park
Cable Bay Adventure Park is a commercial outdoor park rather than a council reserve or club network, and mountain biking sits alongside its Skywire flying fox and self-drive quad bike tours. Nelson Tasman, the regional tourism body, describes it as a privately run park with over 38 km of terrain.
The riding leans towards the demanding end. The operator says most trails are in native forest and describes them as steep, technical and rocky, and Nelson Tasman mentions rocky descents with coastal backdrops alongside fast, flowing single track. There is an easier side too: a flat Fun track suited to smaller kids, and the Bayview 4×4 track to a lookout, which the operator suggests for e-bike hires.
It is also close to town. Nelson Tasman puts it just 15 minutes from Nelson, with easy access via State Highway 6 and Cable Bay Road.
Trail Grades
The operator lays the network out by grade. A grade 3 section of four linked trails runs from the top of the park to the bottom, and there are four grade 4 options and a set of grade 5 trails. It does not publish distances for individual trails. Its standard hire fleet suits beginner to intermediate riders and can handle trails up to grade 4.
Passes, Hours and Shuttles
Unlike the free-registration Codgers network, Cable Bay is pay to ride. The operator sells adult, child (under 16) and family day passes, with MTB club members paying half, and year passes with lower club rates; its mountain biking page shows the current prices.
You can buy a day pass online in advance or at the booking office on the day, and riders bringing their own bikes must sign an access waiver.
Day pass holders ride during business hours. If you start during business hours, get a gate exit code before closing; after-hours riding is otherwise for members or by prior arrangement. Riders under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Shuttles are run by Gravity Nelson, with half days of three runs and full days of up to five runs and a discount for Nelson MTB Club members, booked through the operator’s shuttle page. You still need a day pass when shuttling, and there is no regular shuttle schedule in winter, so check the park’s social media for shuttle days.
Visiting the Base Café
The Base Café sits less than 2 km off the main road. The operator gives its standard hours as 9am to 4pm, open year-round apart from Christmas Day, with longer hours from November to March, and notes it may close early on rainy days.
From locals
Do I need to sign a waiver if I bring my own bike to Cable Bay?
Is there anywhere to fill up water bottles once you're out on the trails?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ride at Cable Bay Adventure Park?
The operator sells day passes (adult, child under 16 and family, with MTB club members paying half) and year passes. Current prices are on its mountain biking and bike hire page.
What grade are the trails?
Grade 3 to grade 5. A grade 3 section of four linked trails runs from top to bottom, with four grade 4 options and grade 5 trails.
Is there anything for young kids?
There is a flat Fun track suited to smaller kids. Riders under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I hire a bike or e-bike?
Yes. The park has a standard fleet that suits beginner to intermediate riders and can handle grade 4 trails, a premium fleet, and e-bikes. A security deposit applies.
Can I ride after hours?
Day pass holders ride during business hours. After-hours riding is for members or by prior arrangement.
Are there shuttles?
Yes, run by Gravity Nelson. You still need a day pass, and there is no regular shuttle schedule in winter.
How far is it from Nelson?
About 15 minutes, via State Highway 6 and Cable Bay Road.
Is there food on site?
Yes, the Base Café is at the park, generally open 9am to 4pm. It may close early on rainy days.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 1
- Nelson Tasman: Your guide to a bucket-list riding holiday: the regional tourism body’s guide to Nelson Tasman riding, including Cable Bay.