YHA Nelson Central

Qualmark 5-Star Rated Backpacker Accommodation

YHA Nelson is a comfortable and popular 5-star hostel in the heart of sunny Nelson city and close to iconic cafes and restaurants. Use the YHA Nelson hostel as a convenient backpacker accommodation base to access the local National Parks including Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. 

The excellent kitchen facilities in this Nelson hostel provide you with everything you need including an adjoining dining area and sunny garden with a courtyard BBQ. In the common areas we have foosball, table tennis, an extensive DVD collection and internet access. YHA Nelson’s backpacker accommodation and facilities are suitable for groups and disabled guests, and the two well-equipped kitchens allows for a dedicated kitchen when large groups come to stay.

Nelson is the arts and crafts capital of New Zealand and the renowned Nelson market is located next-door to the hostel. It runs on Saturdays and is the perfect place to pick up a unique memento or some great local produce. The YHA Nelson hostel is also near supermarkets, pubs, cafes and the Intercity bus station. For free travel and activity advice on your Nelson and New Zealand stay just ask the helpful hostel staff. YHA Nelson is cosy, clean and secure, come and stay and see what 5-star backpacker accommodation is like.

"YHA Nelson: this purpose-built hostel in a central location remains the best in town, with a wide range of accommodation, including connecting rooms for families and two disabled-access units. One big and one smaller kitchen and plenty of communal areas mean you never feel crowded and the staff are well informed and helpful."  - The Rough Guide to New Zealand

Special features at YHA Nelson that backpackers love:

• 5 star Qualmark rated backpacker hostel, the best in Nelson.
• Very central location in Nelson, right next door to Nelson’s famous Saturday Market.
• Relaxing in YHA Nelson’s sauna, great showers!
• Excellent kitchen facilities with two large well equipped kitchens, perfect for group accommodation.
• Large DVD/video collection to use as well as foosball, table tennis and a book exchange.

About Nelson

Visit Nelson city at the top of South Island where you can explore some of New Zealand’s best National Parks, the Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park. Nelson is an excellent place to visit all year round because of its warm and sunny climate. 

You’ll never get bored in Nelson, enjoy a wine or arts and craft tour, visit the Queens Gardens, do some riverside walks, walk up to the Centre of New Zealand, investigate the heritage buildings and cathedral. Visit the World of Wearable Art museum, one of Nelson’s unique museums and the Suter Art Gallery to view their renowned collection.

If you want more of an adrenalin rush, experience the thrill of the unique “Skywire” flying fox (soaring like a bird for over 3km up to 150m above beautiful native forest!), parachute or paraglide, enjoy outstanding mountain biking,  4x4 motor biking, kayaking along the coastline and you could hike through the National Parks for a lifetime. Golden Bay is a great place to visit in summer and in winter go skiing at the Rainbow ski field.

The Nelson Bay coastline is excellent for swimming or simply spend your time taking in the leisurely pace of charming Nelson city. Come to Nelson and discover why it is one of the most popular places to live in New Zealand.

Top activities to do while backpacking in Nelson

• Visit Abel Tasman National Park: kayak it, walk it or cruise it.
• The National Parks of Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi are also worth visiting for great views and hiking. 
• Take a stroll up the Centre of New Zealand walk from Nelson’s Botanical Hill to enjoy stunning views over Nelson city and Tasman Bay.
• Soak up the famous Nelson sunshine on its many great beaches, especially the long strip of sand that is Tahunanui.
• Nelson’s arts and crafts are well-known, pick up a piece or two or just enjoy following the trail.
• Nelson is one of New Zealand’s cultural capitals, where the World of Wearable Art began – check out the outstanding WOW museum.

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