Cable Bay Camp Site
(powered site)
 |
| Cloud listing over Pepin island at daybreak - view from the campsite. |
Just South of Nelson and out
towards a peninsular along a long, steep (and quite scary) gravel road is Cable
Bay. World-famous-in-New-Zealand because many years ago when communications
technology was in its infancy, this was apparently the first place where a
telegram cable was sent overseas.
Nearby Pepin Island is not actually an island at all, but connected via a causeway reminiscent of the Cornish St Michaels Mount but which is permanently present.
It was a bit sad that Pepin Island is privately owned, so we were unable to explore it, but the beaches surrounding the area are a mix of sand and enormous colourful pebbles, interspersed with the most amazing natural driftwood sculptured by the sea and natural sponges. Excellent for wasting time in the sunshine whilst beach-combing, not least because it was dog-friendly too – what a relief for Dizzy to enjoy a proper walk.
 |
| In 1876 the first telegraph cable from Oz reached NZ at 'Cable Bay'. |
Nearby Pepin Island is not actually an island at all, but connected via a causeway reminiscent of the Cornish St Michaels Mount but which is permanently present.
It was a bit sad that Pepin Island is privately owned, so we were unable to explore it, but the beaches surrounding the area are a mix of sand and enormous colourful pebbles, interspersed with the most amazing natural driftwood sculptured by the sea and natural sponges. Excellent for wasting time in the sunshine whilst beach-combing, not least because it was dog-friendly too – what a relief for Dizzy to enjoy a proper walk.
We took a
few days to relax and enjoy the serenity and sunshine and thoroughly enjoyed
the ‘luxury’ of a ‘real’ campsite with washing-machine and lovely hot (untimed)
free showers! Wekas walked about the campsite making mischief if anything was
left outside the tents and campervans.
In the evening, hedgehogs took over and at dawn, we listened to the most amazing dawn chorus of birds we have ever heard. Including the wooden-recorder tones of a rare Kakapo. This area was far away from any poisoned area and the natural wildlife living side-by-side was a joy to see.
Observing and getting to know our fellow campers was an interesting experience. We realised what a small world it was when we met Julian and his family - an academic from Aston University, back home in Brum. LOL! Alongside the tourists there were also some Kiwi's - many quite local from Nelson. Apparently, reminiscent of popular (and expensive) tourists towns in the UK, like Windermere, Falmouth or Stow-on-the-Wold, Nelson is in high demand and so to pocket some tax-free cash, the local often let their houses over the Christmas period, spending a few nights here camping instead.
The campsite manager runs a tight ship here, with
clean and tidy facilities and a calm atmosphere. With no phone reception and
virtually no wifi (unless you walked up to the kitchen area) this was a very
enjoyable & peaceful Christmas. So special, we stayed an extra night before moving on down the West Coast. But we would return here at the end of our South Island trip...
 |
| Weka - an NZ native bird, pecking around the campsite. |
In the evening, hedgehogs took over and at dawn, we listened to the most amazing dawn chorus of birds we have ever heard. Including the wooden-recorder tones of a rare Kakapo. This area was far away from any poisoned area and the natural wildlife living side-by-side was a joy to see.
Observing and getting to know our fellow campers was an interesting experience. We realised what a small world it was when we met Julian and his family - an academic from Aston University, back home in Brum. LOL! Alongside the tourists there were also some Kiwi's - many quite local from Nelson. Apparently, reminiscent of popular (and expensive) tourists towns in the UK, like Windermere, Falmouth or Stow-on-the-Wold, Nelson is in high demand and so to pocket some tax-free cash, the local often let their houses over the Christmas period, spending a few nights here camping instead.
 |
| A Nelson family set-up their vintage caravan for their annual Xmas break by the beach. |
 |
| Dizzy at the Beaurepaires tyre shop in Nelson: waiting for the inspection! |
No comments:
Post a Comment