Everything you need to know about the WHV in Nelson

The cost of living

Read The cost of living in New Zealand for more details.

Internet access

Nelson’s three libraries offer free Wi-Fi during opening hours. Computers are also available for use, but you will need to pre-book a slot. You don’t need to be a member to do this. The library is a great option if you need to make copies of your CV for job hunting!

Internet is available in all hostels (BBH, YHA, Prince Albert, Tasman Bay, Bridge Street, etc.). Check in advance if Wi-Fi will be free or if you will need to pay to use it (often paid per hour or per day of your stay).

Many cafes and restaurants also offer Wi-Fi, including McDonald’s.

Finally, the mobile and internet operator Spark has free Wi-Fi hotspots in the city. You must be a Spark customer to access the free Wi-Fi. Learn more here.

Consulate

There is a consulate for citizens from Croatia, Iceland and Jamaica in Nelson. A few citizenships (e.g. China, Japan) are represented by a consulate in Christchurch. However, most people who need help (e.g. if you lose your passport) will need to travel to the North Island to attend an embassy in Wellington or Auckland.

Facilities for campers

Van life (aka sleeping in your car/van) is a popular method of saving money for backpackers travelling around New Zealand. First, make sure you check the rules before parking for the night. Nelson only allows free camping at Buxton Square and Montgomery Square car parks.

If you need to do laundry, Nelson has several laundromats available. You’ll need to budget around NZ$5 per load. Well-known laundromats include Liquid Laundromats, Bubbles Laundrette and the laundry facilities at the Montgomery Square Superloo.

The city of Nelson provides public showers at the Montgomery Square Superloo in the Montgomery Square car park for NZ$2. You can shower at the public swimming pools but it will cost around NZ$7 for pool entry. Finally, there is a shower at Tahunanui Beach, but this is really designed for rinsing off sand.

Medical care

Nelson Public Hospital is open 24 hours a day and has an emergency department.

In the event of an accident/injury, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) system covers your treatment. This should not be seen as an alternative to travel insurance and is only valid in the event of real medical emergencies!

The emergency telephone number to dial in New Zealand is 111.

If you need travel vaccines (why not check out nearby South East Asia while you’re backpacking?), you can go to the Worldwise Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Centre. Please note that travel vaccinations are generally not reimbursed by your travel insurance.

Administrative procedures

You must complete most of your administrative formalities at a New Zealand post office (applying for an IRD number, changing vehicle ownership, registering your vehicle, etc.). A notable exception is that tax forms are not available at a post office, but can be found on the IRD website.

For more information, read Important steps upon landing in New Zealand.

For any legal help (issues at work, immigration, education, consumer issues, etc.), you can turn to the volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). You can also request help from Community Law, which offers free legal aid covering most areas (work, family, debts, accidents, etc.).

Making friends

The community spirit is strong in Nelson and you’ll find many activities organised for new residents to participate in. For example, the New Zealand Newcomers Network Association has a branch in Nelson/Richmond. Sign up to be notified when they plan future events, such as meeting for a coffee, a hike or a meal.

Try joining a club for one of your hobbies/interests, such as a hiking group, languages group, music group, etc.

Check out the city’s bulletin boards, as well as ads in the local newspapers for upcoming events. Join local Facebook groups, both for Nelson residents and for backpackers in the area.

Finally, read How to make friends during a working holiday (WHV) abroad for more tips.