[randomone]

I'm in NZ in December and January and have planned everything, booked accommodation, etc (as advised to do due to it being school summer holidays, christmas, new year).

The only problem is knowing where to stay in Nelson. I want to spend most of my holiday there as it is where I am considering living in the future.

I know that for Christmas eve, day and boxing day I will be kayaking and traming Abel Tasman NP and will have my accomm. arranged. However, I don't know where to stay for the rest of it.

I'm 40 (young in mind but been there and done that in terms of partying hostels) and travelling alone.

I'm in the Nelson area from 18 Dec to 4 Jan. I need help determining which hostel would suit me best (I don't have much funds so will have to stick to hostels). I was initially drawn to Traveller's Rest but I'm not sure. I'm sociable but like my own space. Definitely want to avoid "young" hostels.

I think I'd like to spend some of the time in Nelson itself and some of the time in the bay areas.

Can anyone give me some information. When travelling alone, I find the accommodation has more of an impact on the travel experience so I want to avoid getting it wrong (I'm not used to having to plan everything in advance - normally I'd turn up and feel free to move if a place didn't suit me, etc).

Also, do you think I would need a car for all the time I'm there or just a week?

I'd like to drive all along the coast, visit art places, and whatever else anyone recommends.

Can anyone help?

[randomone]

okay after much deliberation, I've at least managed to make one decision. After my three day kayak etc. I am going to stay at Shambala at Golden Bay.

Now just looking for suggestions of where to stay in Nelson for the beginning of my trip there.

anyone?

[Aussie Pom]

We stayed at Tahuna beach in Tahunanui. It is near the beach and a restaurant/cafe area. They have cabins and apartments and are good value.
You might like it there, we did
Gina

[thezorbster]

Sorry, can't give much advice on accommodation but I would recommend car hire for the whole time. Nelson City itself is small and easily negotiated on foot but public transport is virtually non existent so if you really want to explore around the area I would say a car is essential.

You say you want to visit art places - there are loads of galleries, studios etc, it's lovely if you like that kind of thing. There is a really nice leaflet you can pick up at i-site offices that gives a little map/guide to lots of the studios. Not worth me listing any as I would really put a visit to i-site top of your list when you arrive to pick up some leaflets. There is of course the WOW (world of wearable arts) museum (just outside Nelson) which is supposed to be good (haven't visited it yet) and the Suter Art gallery in Nelson itself.

Hope this helps a little - please ask if I can give any more help. Lots of nice beaches - Rabbit Island is nice and will be a little quieter than Tahunanui over the Christmas period.

Enjoy your stay!

[randomone]

thanks the zorbster - I need to get a hire car sorted out - will do that this weekend. I am really looking forward to the whole trip (I'm planning on moving to Nelson one day but a holiday will do the job for now).

Thanks for all the advice and I'll check out the leaflet you mentioned

[markynz]

Hi there - we've lived in Nelson for over a year now and enjoying it thoroughly.
There are loads of places to stay here - as its a well known holiday place the motels are everywhere.
You could try ' the courtesy court ' for a budget type motel in Tahunanui ( ross and cath are the owners - mention me ( mark )and they might give you a discount - although I cant guarantee that :D )
' The Beaches ' has nice rooms but more expensive.
We have stayed at both the Richmond top 10 a few years ago and Tahuna Beach holiday park - both are ok.
Plenty of superb places to eat around here too, providing you can afford to eat out ... I wish I could every day !

[Moorf]

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the kayak trip when you return - it's something we're considering doing this summer. Are you an experienced sea kayaker (we're not, hence the question!) although we've done kayaking a couple of times. Do they provide tents / accomm en-route?

[randomone]

nope, I'm not an experienced kayaker. Will definitely remember to log on and let you know how it went. It is now 8 days until I fly out. OOOOh I hope it is warm and sunny as I'm in need of it. Seem to be really feeling the cold this year in the UK.

Can't wait to see the beautiful blue of the waters off Nelson

[thezorbster]

The Tasman has been absolutely stunning the last few weeks! Just seeing it whilst driving into town fills me with the most 'wow' feeling. The most turquoise blue you could ever imagine and warm enough for swimming now. Bought littl'un a body board last weekend and headed down to Rabbit Island so we now have a surf dude. Temperatures of 30c last weekend, endless blue skies. Heaven!
Bit overcast today though but we need rain, water restrictions coming in already and apparently it's normally Jan before that happens.

Enjoy your trip randomone and hope the good weather lasts for you!

[migratory birds]

Do an online search for "Walnut Cottage Motueka" run by Joy Jenkins. Just down the road from Nelson. Very clean, well kept with trees loaded with ripening citrus and fragrant flowers. She has a few $30/nite accomodation options. Other travelers we met while staying there were also more mature (40+), great conversation. She may be booked for late Dec but it's worth a try.

[randomone]

thezorbster - that is just what I wanted to read.

Hope that you get the rain you need and it pours and pours until I get there and then it returns to the glorious weather you described, when I arrive! PLEASE.