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Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable

Photo gallery for Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable

Dining Inside
Dining Outside
Swim andamp; Kayak at the botom of the garden
Main House
Bathroom main house

Reviews

9.6 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Cable Bay (Nelson), Nelson
  • Place, Founders Heritage Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Trafalgar Park
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Nelson Market
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1 Southern Cross Room

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 Planets

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 Betelgeuse Room

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4 Milkyway Mezzanine

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable

Starlight is a real holiday place. Form here you can watch the day unfold, the tide come and go the colours change and the birds feed. At high water you can swim at the bottom of the garden and at low tide you can collect cockles or pipi’s on the Estuary. In the evening you can saute your catch on the BBQ and wash them down with a local Sauvignon.

You can sit in any room with your book and watch nature going about its day or join together with family or friends at the main table or on the balcony to play cards or a board game or have a feast prepared in the kitchen or at the BBQ.

When you are ready for an adventure you can start small and walk the 1kM to the start of the Cable Bay Walkway and go as far as you like on this fantastic cliff top coastal walkway through farmland and native bush with a marine reserve below.
Or paddle a Kayak pick on the estuary paddle or a kayak on the estuary and go to places few can reach.

Down the road 3kM toward Nelson is Cable Bay Adventures where you can ride a horse along back country, drive four wheel motor bike along tracks and through streams, fly the sky wire or have a game of paint ball.

Maybe you would just like a really nice coffee or a light lunch at the Cable Bay Cafe.

If you must get in the car it is only 20kM to Nelson and from here a quick boat ride to the Able Tasman National park. In Nelson there are award winning restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, glass blowers and potters. Best of all when you have had your fill it is a quick drive back to the peace quiet and tranquility of Cable Bay.
The owner is sometimes on site in separate accommodation away from the main house.
Special conditions:
Smoking is allowed outside only

Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$80.00 per stay); Linen (Required, NZ$20.00 per person).

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Property grounds
Enjoy this gorgeous cottage in island paradise with stunning ocean views
  • Ocean view
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue
Enjoy this gorgeous cottage in island paradise with stunning ocean views

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Visitors and guests extra those in the initial booking are only by agreement with the host. Starlight has beds for 8 people. 3 Queen beds + 2 singles
Parking is limited on site to Guests and is a maximum of two vehicles. Extra parking is available up on the road.
A kayak (two to three person) is for use by guests within the Estuary only and guests is responsible for their own safety.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Cable Bay

Cable Bay is home to this holiday home. Founders Heritage Park and Flamedaisy Glass Design are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Montgomery Square and Nelson Market. Travelling with kids? Consider Queens Gardens, or check out an event or a game at Trafalgar Park. Scuba diving and surfing/body boarding offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and horse riding nearby.
View more Holiday homes in Cable BayOpens in a new window
Map
Cable Bay (Nelson), Nelson

What's nearby

  • Miyazu Japanese Gardens - 17 min drive - 22.7 km
  • Founders Heritage Park - 18 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Trafalgar Park - 19 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Nelson Market - 21 min drive - 26.0 km
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 21 min drive - 26.3 km

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cable Bay Cafe - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Nelson North Country Club - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable?

As of 29 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable on 11 Mar 2026 start from AU$339, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Starlight (Te Whānau Mārama) Cable Bay Nelson Secluded, beach front, sustainable located?

Set in Cable Bay, this family-friendly holiday home is within 12 mi (20 km) of Miyazu Gardens, Founders Heritage Park and Miyazu Japanese Gardens. Flamedaisy Glass Design and Queens Gardens are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chris was a kind host and helped make sure our stay was extra special.
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the views and ambience of Chris’s haven over the beautiful Cable bay estuary. It had everything we needed to explore this fab area. And Chris was a thoughtful and helpful host too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a special place. Thanks Chris for sharing it with us.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bliss

We arrived direct from Canada looking for tranquility, peacefulness and natural beauty to ease our way out of jet lag and into New Zealand and we could not have been more pleased. Property was accurately described, host warmly welcomed us and our only wish is that we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tania W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cable Bay Perfection

We had a lovely family break in Cable Bay. The MTBer's had an awesome time at the MTB park. The rest of us enjoyed the water. Piwakawaka's greeted us and checked in on us ever day. Thoughtful details meant this was really a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful bay view, 20 min from Nelson

This house is situated right on Cable Bay, and is a short distance of a very beautiful hiking trail. Our host greeted us when we arrived and was very courteous. The house was very beautiful, very clean, and the stargazing at night was spectacular. I would definitely stay in this house again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lita T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique property

Starlight is a unique property with views over the ever changing estuary and of the night sky from the comfort of your bed through the ceiling skylights (starlights). Very special.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Veronica F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable

We had a very comfortable stay. Chris was immensely helpful. The views from all the rooms are just stunning. We loved the dark skies for skywatching and enjoyed the kayaking. The kitchen is very well equipped and the bath with view of the stars just sublime.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heavenly bay

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The uninterrupted view over Cable Bay was beautiful and quite meditative with the ever- changing tides. The floor plan of the house was unique and creative, and made the most of the space. Access to the kayaks was a highlight, along with proximity to all sorts of adventures and scenic places. Chris provided the perfect balance of local information/ advice and respect for our privacy -- thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed here as a base between the wine region & Abel Tasman. We definitely were road weary by the time we arrived for a 3 night stay. The cable bay region is lovely. Life revolves around the tides. Chris is a wonderful host and truly treated us like family. We enjoyed kayaking on our first morning, Chris happened to be outside working on his property and helped bring the kayak down to the water and fit us with life jackets. Chris is a wealth of knowledge, we enjoyed our time chatting with him. This is a quiet area to stop & listen to the nature that surrounds you. We were fortunate, 2 nights were clear and the stargazing was SPECTACULAR!! We did not cook, we went into Nelson (20 min drive) and enjoyed the town. Note: there are no shampoos or body soaps. You might want to bring your own. As for provisions, basic salt & pepper, coffee press & tea. There is a filtered tap in the kitchen for drinking water.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Emily T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

OMG the Stars!

Chris has a slice of heaven with his place on Cable Bay. The privacy, view and night sky are outstanding.A few things to note, although the listing says for six, the host charges extra for anyone above two people and a linen fee per person. Additionally, the host is extremely eco minded, be sure to read what water you can drink. Bring a sleep mask as not all rooms have curtains. The location and sights are amazing and Chris is very responsive, We think with a bit more investment (kitchen items, towels, cleaning products, etc) and attention to detail (stove directions, laundry, shoes for the water, etc) this place would be out of this world.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special bach

The bach is wonderful, views of the bay, every bedroom has views of the sky and stars. The southern cross room was spectacular on our last night seeing multitudes of stars from the bed absolutely stunning! Quite the novelty sleeping under the stars yet toasty and warm inside a house. Wonderful stay, it has made me consider how much waste we leave as a family of only 3 nights. I liked the fact that you have biolytic worms that treat waste water. It has also been an experience that the kids will remember for a lifetime, the time where they all got their own rooms for a change too. Thankyou. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Isabella M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Birthday stay.

Property was beautiful! The most stunning views and convenient location. Unfortunately some of the kitchen items were unclean, sticky pans and dirty plates. we were disappointed to find that the property Manager also lived onsite which wasn't stated in the discription when booking the property. as we felt like we had to ask for permission to do what we wanted to (this was a 26th birthday trip for us and we felt we couldn't have friends there for dinner without causing some upset, and had to ask him for permission to do so which seemed unfair given the price we were paying) and that we couldn't enjoy the property as much as intended (having a bath/shower looking at the view) as we're were anxious he would see us.. i feel like this should be stated going further as we thought we were booking and paying for a private batch as nothing stated elsewise. Other than that Chris was pleasant to deal with, and the property is in a beautiful location with superb views.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Toni B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise on Cable Bay

Just an easy 20 minute drive up the coast from Nelson, Starlight is a treasure. Peaceful, beautiful, well-stocked and with lots of toys, it was great for our party of five (grandparents, parents and 4-year-old grandson.)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location & accommodation

The Starlight holiday retreat, is the perfect location to see the Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough regions, with fantastic/relaxing views over the estuary & cable bay beach 5-10 mins walks away. Would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy A.

Amazing Experience/Home/Views

Chris was our very first booking while my best friend and I visited from the USA. He was a fantastic host and incredibly hospitable. He had everything explained very well for reference in the event power should go out etc. Those listed details made our stay quite comfortable although we needed to refer just once, to his detailed booklet. I was especially grateful when comparing other stays we had in along the west coast, Chris was by far THE BEST host of them all (it’s not always just about the house). Yet, Chris’ home was most lovely, with the most beautiful view. It was clean and had good quality sheets (a huge plus to this gal) on the beds. We could’ve used a couple more towels since we were from another country, but everything was manageable and not a complaint. We played some of the games provided, and took in all we could during our stay. The only negative (and I felt there was only ONE negative).....the neighbors dogs. I’m a dog person yet cannot understand ‘why’ anyone would ever be so rude and allow their dogs to bark as much as these dogs did. Not Chris’ fault, yet they were annoying. I would love to come back to NZ and spend an entire week at Chris’ home in Cable bay, only next time I’d bring my husband and kids to enjoy.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JAMES B.

Delightful Cable Bay retreat

We reserved the Starlight house without much knowledge of its specific location on Cable Bay. We were delighted by the amazing view and the ever-changing bay. We were out on the deck for many hours, viewing the bay, surrounding hills, and the intense stars at night. There are kayaks available for use and we went out for an enjoyable trip around the bay. The house is set in a heavily wooded hillside with plenty of privacy. We were only two people so we did not make full use of all the bedrooms available but the house is roomy and comfortable. The host Chris was amiable and we had a nice chat. We did not require anything from him during our stay but he was available for any need that might arise. The kitchen is large enough for meal preparation and we enjoyed several home cooked meals during our visit. We would happily return to Starlight house on a future visit to Cable Bay.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire O.

The perfect spot to relax!

This is clearly a cherished family bach: all the little details are so well thought through and combine to make the place deliciously livable. From the skylights perfectly positioned to frame specific constellations, to the insect screens fitted on precisely the windows you want to open to create a cooling breeze and the epic collection of games, it was sad to tear ourselves away - even as new adventures beckoned! We had a fantastically relaxing time here watching the tides rise and fall on the estuary. Surrounded by nature, time slows right down so you can luxuriate in every moment of your break. We hope to be back again. Regularly :)
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2019
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte S.

Delightful comfortable property in a stunning location

Delightful comfortable property in a stunning location. Having direct access to the estuary and being allowed use of the boating equipment was brilliant. We also just enjoyed staring at the ever changing view! Great birdlife all around and superb walking on Cable Bay. We would highly recommend this property and hope to return soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

Great location, fun, big views

Chris is a great host. The home is well equipped with everything you need. Great place to watch the tide roll in through the big picture glass. Very relaxing spot.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

Excellent location overlooking the lagoon and out to see, with beautiful changing scenery with the f

Excellent location overlooking the lagoon and out to see, with beautiful changing scenery with the fluctuation of the tides. The house is well located literally on the water, and is a short walk to the main beach down the road. The house itself is well-equipped, warm and dry, light and airy, with views to die for.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

We really enjoyed our week!

We really enjoyed our week! The main house is well appointed and with that view became a very relaxing spot to enjoy the Nelson summer sun. As a family we enjoyed swimming in the safe and sheltered estuary right in front and using the kayaks to explore the inlet. The boathouse provided the perfect teenage sanctuary, close but yet just far enough away to give them some freedom. Great spot, close to Nelson yet remote enough that you hardly see anyone in this little slice of paradise
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

A wonderful house with fantastic views and lots of character.

A wonderful house with fantastic views and lots of character. We absolutely loved this place. Perfect space for our party of seven. Only bad thing was that we had to leave ;-)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Irene P.

We had a very enjoyable and relaxing stay at Starlight.

We had a very enjoyable and relaxing stay at Starlight. It was well equipped and very comfortable in an idyllic setting. So close to Nelson city - only a short drive to grab meals, meal fixings or refreshments and a visit to the Nelson market on a Saturday morning is a must. Peace and tranquillity with the very best of NZ nature and bird life. The estuary was entrancing with its ever changing tides. Highly recommend a stay at Starlight.
Archival

8/10 Good

Great location.

Great location. Easy to enjoy regardless of the weather.

About the host

Hosted by Chris344

Host profile image
Your host Chris loves Cable Bay he is a keen Kayaker, sailor and tramper and also a lover of books and board games. There is a kayak for guests to use and plenty of board games to keep them entertained.

Why they chose this property

I love the change nature of the estuary, the tide coming and going and the changes in light adding its contrast to the ever-changing visual spectacle. The bird life is an ever present from Tui's and Wood pigeons to Kotuku, Herons and Kotare.
I like the fact that from the house you cannot see the lights of any other houses only the night Sky.

What makes this property unique

Only 20kM to the restaurants, cafes and the potteries of Nelson also fantastic craft beer and vineyards all within an easy drive.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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