Nelson & Abel Tasman
South Island, New Zealand
Daily Budget
~NZ$127
~US$55 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Adventure base
Overview
Nelson is a sunny, artistic city at the top of the South Island that serves as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest but most visited national park. Abel Tasman is famous for its golden sand beaches, turquoise water, and the Abel Tasman Coast Track — one of New Zealand's ten Great Walks. Whether you kayak, hike, or water-taxi between beaches, the coastline here is stunningly beautiful and feels almost tropical on a good day.
Editor's Pick
Nelson & Abel Tasman stands out for: Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of NZ's most popular Great Walks (60 km, 3-5 days); Sea kayaking along pristine golden beaches and past fur seal colonies; Nelson is the sunniest city in New Zealand with a vibrant arts and food scene.
Things to Do
View all 8 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 5 hostels
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily (NZD) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | NZ$51 | $22 |
| Food | NZ$28 | $12 |
| Transport | NZ$35 | $15 |
| Activities | NZ$62 | $27 |
| Total | ~NZ$127 | ~$55 |
Hostels
5 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
8 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Nelson & Abel Tasman?
- Budget around NZ$127 NZD (~US$55) per day in Nelson & Abel Tasman, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Nelson & Abel Tasman?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Nelson & Abel Tasman are Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Nelson & Abel Tasman?
- Top-rated hostels in Nelson & Abel Tasman include Kimi Ora Eco Resort (Kaiteriteri), Tasman Bay Backpackers (Nelson), Adventure Inn Marahau. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from NZ$39 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Nelson & Abel Tasman?
- Must-do activities in Nelson & Abel Tasman include Explore the Centre of New Zealand walkway in Nelson, Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Sea kayak along the Abel Tasman coast. There are 8 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
