Tasman Bay Backpackers in Nelson

zuletzt aktualisiert am 05.01.2010

FREE BREAKFAST and nightly SPECIALS in Winter such as hot chocolate pudding &amp, ice cream, soup and homemade bread and much more are on offer from May 1st to take the chill off winter. Our hostel is family run, purpose built, spacious, very clean yet homely. Everyone says it has a nice feel to it. In winter we light the log fire every night and all the rooms have heaters.
We also supply extra duvets and hot water bottles for those that feel the cold (not that you should need it our hostel is always kept very warm).

The hostel is located just five mins walk from the main street (far enough away to avoid inner city noise but close enough that it is an easy walk to shops, cafes etc). It is a hostel which attracts a wide variety of nationalities and ages (not usually group travellers) and we try to ensure that everyone feels welcome and enjoys their stay (of course).

Outside you'll find a well used outside hammock, and edible garden which includes herbs, grapes, kiwifruit, feijoas, lemons, ….

Our hostel provides a great place to base yourself whilst exploring the Nelson Tasman region. Everyone that works here has a lot of local knowledge and is happy to share it and book anything for you. All buses and most activity operators will pick up and/or drop off right at our front door. We can ticket buses, water taxis, kayak trips and all activities. We hire out good quality camping gear and offer advice and do bookings for any of the three National Parks in our region.

Also available are bikes for you to use (no charge) to explore the area. Off-street parking and free lugguage storage. FREE local calls/no phone card surcharge on our hostel phone.

All rooms are of a good size. We have a large selection of doubles, twins, small dorms and two six share dorms. During winter we also offer double rooms at a single occupancy rate.

We also run a similar hostel in Picton called Sequoia Lodge Backpackers.

Wegbeschreibung

CAR

From Picton follow the signs from the ferry terminal and either take the very scenic but extremely windy Queen Charlotte Drive or go via Blenheim and make sure you make a stop at some of the wineries to sample some of the local vino (very good whites from this area).
Other good places to stop are Pelorus Bridge for a swim, walk or just a coffee at the café. You can also pitch a tent here for the night. If your feeling a bit peckish and you've developed a liking for New Zealand's Green lip mussels then don't miss &quot,The Mussel Boys&quot, in Havelock. Then it is onwards and upwards to Nelson. You've still got a few hills to conquer before you see the sea. Coming into Nelson you hit a roundabout. You need to turn left here and then the first left again. This is Wainui Street that then turns into Weka Street and we're on the right at Number 10.

If you're coming from the West Coast or from Christchurch (via the Lewis Pass) you come through Murchison, then you'll hit Richmond. Head on into Nelson following the sign to the 'city centre' and you'll end up on the main street. Trafalgar Street. At the bottom end of Trafalgar Street you turn right into Wainui Street which turns into our street - Weka Street. Just look out for our sign and the red letterbox with Number 10 on it.

Hitch a ride

Loads of people make their way to Nelson in the summer and even in winter you shouldn't have any trouble getting a lift. Dropping you off right outside the hostel shouldn't be a problem as we are situated right on the way into Nelson. If they are heading onto Stoke, Richmond, Motueka etc then just ask to be dropped off at the first roundabout you come to. We're only a five minute walk from here (go up Trafalgar Street, turn first left into Wainui which then turns into our Street - Weka.

Bus

Nelson is well serviced by lots of different shuttles and buses. Most buses will drop you off at our door and pick you up from here also - just make sure you ask!

Most of them link up with ferries. In summer time you are best to book ahead so here are a few links and numbers you might like to try if you're coming by bus.






Abel Tasman Coaches 27 Bridge St, Nelson. Tel 03 548 0285
Intercity Coachlines 27 Bridge Street, Nelson. Tel: 03 548 1538
KBus Tel 03 578 4075
Atomic Shuttles Tel: 03 322 8883
Southern Link Coaches Tel: 03 358 8355
Nelson Lakes Shuttles Tel: 03 521 1900


By air

If you're in a rush to get here - and you have every good reason to be - then jump on a plane and fly.
You can very often get pretty good deals if you book in advance or have student ID. Also if you are willing to get up early you can get cheap flights on Vincent Aviation from Wellington or from Nelson back to Wellington.

Nelson has the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand so no lack of flights in and out daily.



Try the following airlines for flights into and out of Nelson.

Origin Pacific Airways , Reservations tel: 0800 302 302 or 03 547 2020
Air New Zealand Link , Reservations tel: 0800 737 000
Vincent Aviation, Reservations tel: 0800 846 236


By sea

Many people travelling from the North Island to Nelson get one of the Ferries from Wellington (bottom of North Island) to Picton (top of South Island). (The Interislander)The are many buses which connect to the Ferries in Picton and head on over to Nelson (2 hour drive).

Another option is to go on the new passengers and vehicle alternative - Bluebridge. Sailing time btween Picton and Wellington is 3 hours 20 minutes and there are two sailings a day

The Interislander - passenger and vehicle ferry 3 hrs Wellington to Picton. Reservations tel: 0800 802 802.
Bluebridge - passenger and vehicle ferry 3 hrs, 20 minutes Wellington to Picton. Reservations tel: 0800 844 844.


By Bike

No matter where you are coming from if you're coming to Nelson via a bike be prepared for a few hills but beautiful scenery and lots of places to stay and things to do on the way. If you're into biking you'll enjoy getting here and exploring the Nelson region on your two wheels.