Everything you need to know about the WHV in Nelson

Getting to Nelson

Nelson’s location in the north of the South Island means there are several ways to get there, but only once you have reached New Zealand through an international hub.

• By plane: Nelson has a domestic airport, so you can transit from an international airport such as Christchurch or Auckland. The airport is served by four airlines: Air New Zealand, Sounds Air, Originair and Golden Bay Air.
• By ferry: You can take the ferry from Wellington in the North Island to Picton. The two ferry companies offering this service are Interislander and Bluebridge, both of which make the crossing every day (times vary depending on the time of year and the tides). You would then need to make your way from Picton to Nelson by car or bus.
• By bus: Nelson is served by Intercity, with links to several other cities across the South Island, including Picton and Christchurch.
• By car: Nelson is accessible by several roads and you can drive there from Picton, Blenheim or Christchurch. Consider a detour to enjoy the beautiful scenic routes that make this island perfect for road tripping! For example, from Picton, you can take Queen Charlotte Drive that runs alongside the majestic Marlborough Sounds, instead of the less scenic motorway.

Getting around Nelson

Nelson has a public bus system that offers residents six different routes (eight if you include the peak overflow and the late bus routes). The buses serve the main areas of Nelson and go as far as Motueka. For more information on timetables, routes and fares, visit the eBus website.

The Tasman region is one of nine regions in New Zealand that use the Bee Card. The Bee Card is a prepaid travel card that you top up and use to tap on and off the public transport in Nelson. The card costs NZ$5 to purchase. The price of a journey varies depending on the distance you travel. It will always be cheaper with the Bee Card than if you were to pay in cash.

Aside from the buses, there are two main taxi companies that operate in Nelson: Nelson City Taxis and Sun City Taxis.

Getting around the region

One of the main benefits of basing yourself in Nelson is having the Tasman region on your doorstep. To get out of town, the most practical way to explore at your own pace is to rent a car. There is no shortage of choice, as all the main car hire companies are available at the airport (Avis, Budget, Hertz, etc.). If you plan to rent a car with Hertz, make sure you check out our special discount for 10% off your booking.

Remember that Nelson can be invaded by tourists (including New Zealanders wanting to escape to warmer weather!) during peak seasons. Don’t leave it until the last minute to rent a car, especially if you plan to travel during the December-January summer holidays.

If you don’t want to drive, you can book a private shuttle or tour company that will take you to places that aren’t always accessible by public transport, such as Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. You can find more information about tour companies here.

Finally, there is the option to hitchhike. It’s a popular method for backpackers to travel around New Zealand, but remember it is not without risk. Competition with other travellers trying to score lifts around the Tasman region can be tough! For more information, read Hitchhiking – Practical and safety tips (+ info about hitchhiking in New Zealand).