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7.3

357 reviews

The Bug Backpackers

The Bug Backpackers

226 Vanguard Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Garden view

The Bug Backpackers

Welcome to The Bug Backpackers, your comfy haven in the heart of Nelson, New Zealand. With rates starting from just $19, this charming 2-star accommodation offers travelers an affordable escape just 1.2mi away from the vibrant city center. Located at 226 Vanguard Street, it's the perfect base for adventure seekers and culture buffs alike, offering easy access to explore the local delights.

At The Bug Backpackers, we've got your needs covered! Kick back and relax in our lovely non-smoking rooms, or take a breather in our picturesque gardens. Need some fresh air? Check out our terrace and picnic area with stunning mountain views that will leave you in awe. And don’t worry about staying connected; our free WiFi will keep you linked to your loved ones back home. Plus, with free private parking and a handy tour desk, exploring the marvelous surroundings of Nelson has never been easier.

Don’t just take our word for it—join the 357 happy travelers who've given rave reviews about their joyful experiences with us. Whether you’re planning a thrilling hiking trip, a relaxing getaway, or a fun-filled exploration of local attractions, The Bug Backpackers is here to make your stay an unforgettable one. Grab your backpack and let the adventure begin!

At The Bug Backpackers, we take your comfort and camaraderie seriously while keeping things fun! Our diverse range of room options ensures there's something for everyone. Whether you're a solo adventurer looking for a lively dormitory experience or a family in search of cozy quarters, you’ll find the perfect spot to lay your head here. Picture this: a Family Room snugly accommodating up to 8 guests—ideal for a group gathering, or perhaps you fancy a more private Queen Room to unwind after a day of exploring. Whichever you choose, we've got the space and ambiance to suit your travel style!

What's more, we pride ourselves on being a smoke-free environment, allowing you to savor the fresh Provencal air while lounging in our lush gardens or taking in breathtaking mountain views from the terrace. Ready to kick up your feet? Our shared bathrooms are kept clean and tidy, providing a refreshing escape. And don't forget about those all-important amenities! With free WiFi, private parking, and a welcoming tour desk ready to guide you on your next adventure, you'll find everything you need right at your fingertips.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, bring your adventurous spirit, and get ready to mingle with fellow travelers in our vibrant community. The Bug Backpackers is not just a place to stay—it's a launchpad for adventures that will create lasting memories. From local attractions to exhilarating hiking trails, Nelson is your playground, and we can't wait to be a part of your journey!

Closest airports

Nelson Airport

2.5mi

Woodbourne Airport

35.1mi

Picton Aerodrome

35.9mi

Most popular amenities

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Garden view

Patio

Picnic area

Garden

Rooms

Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers

Show 9 photos

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

1 Double Bed

130 sqft

Mountain view

Patio

Shower

x4

+

x3

More details

Relax in a cozy Double Room with stunning mountain views and a lovely patio, perfect for 2 adults and 1 child. Feel at home in this charming 129 sqft space.

Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Double Room, Private Bathroom

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Shower

+

More details

Indulge in a cozy Double Room with a Private Bathroom, offering a stunning Mountain view. Perfect for 2 adults and 1 child, relax in comfort in this 172 sqft retreat.

Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Family, Shared Bathroom

1 Double Bed

2 Bunk Beds

Shower

+

More details

Spacious family room for 4 adults and 3 children with a double bed and 2 bunk beds, perfect for a cozy stay together. Shared bathroom available, smoking not allowed.

Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers

Show 3 photos

Dormitory, 8 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

215 sqft

Garden view

Patio

Shower

+

More details

Stay in our cozy single bed in an 8-bed dormitory room with a garden view and patio access. Room size 215 sqft, ideal for 1 adult. No smoking allowed.

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers

Show 2 photos

Dormitory, 4 Bed, Female Only

1 Bunk Bed

215 sqft

Shower

+

More details

Rest and relax in our cozy 4-bed female dormitory room, featuring a bunk bed and situated in a vibrant 215 sqft space. With a smoke-free environment, it's perfect for a solo traveler seeking comfort and convenience.

Queen Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers

Show 2 photos

Queen Room, Shared Bathroom

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

Shower

+

More details

Stay in our cozy Queen Room with Shared Bathroom for 2 adults, featuring a comfortable double bed in a 172 sqft space. Enjoy a peaceful stay without smoking allowed.

Family Room in The Bug Backpackers

Family

1 Double Bed

4 Bunk Beds

215 sqft

Garden view

Patio

Shower

x8

+

x4

More details

Relax in our spacious Family Room with a beautiful garden view and private patio, perfect for 6 adults and 2 children. Enjoy cozy nights in the double bed or fun sleepovers in the four bunk beds.

Show 9 photos

Single Room, Shared Bathroom

130 sqft

+

More details

This room includes linen. Bathroom facilities are shared. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. There is no capacity for additional guests. A single bed can be added for a 3rd guest at an additional charge.

Show 4 photos

Family, 4 Bed, Shared Bathroom

+

More details

The family room has a shared bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 4 beds.

Queen Room, Private Bathroom

1 Queen Size Bed

Private Bathroom

+

More details

Private Queen Room with Private Bathroom

Family, 5 Bed

215 sqft

+

More details

The family room offers a wardrobe, a tiled floor, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The family room features heating, a patio and garden views. The unit offers 5 beds.

Show 9 photos

Standard Room

1 Queen Size Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Guest reviews

7.3

357 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Eds2559

8.2

March 2024

A warm welcome and friendly staff at the hostel, which is cheap for Nelson. The kitchen is good and there's some nice outdoor space. Our room was in a second building, which was well-sized and with a shared bathroom/shower, which worked well.

There was a strange vibe and it seemed that maybe some local and/or long-term residents lived there, it wasn't your usual backpacker vibe. Some people made you feel a little uncomfortable, sorry to say.

🇸🇬

Jiaying

8.2

January 2023

Clean kitchen, bathrooms and friendly staff & stayers. Feels very homely. There’s a field opposite the hostel which is a nice place to chill

Nothing about the property. I stayed in a mixed dorm but I didn’t feel unsafe at all. Everyone (lots of long term stayers) were so nice and friendly. Only downside about staying in the 8-bed dorm was you won’t know if your roomies were going to be bad snorers (and I encountered at least 3)

🇳🇿

Carolyn

10

April 2023

Our room was awesome & nicely set up inside the Villa 😎 It was a good size & the bed was comfy as for us 😊 The Owner: Trina & Staff worker: Frances were really nice & accommodating, which made our stay more enjoyable, thank you both a lot 🥰 Thank you The Bug Backpackers for the great service & accommodation 💯 Would highly recommend as a place to stay as reasonably priced & also it was only a short 10 minute walk into the main town centre 😀

🇳🇿

Bell

10

January 2024

Was a lovely quiet place to stay, and the acting manager was such an amazing woman! I cannot thank her enough for how hospitable she was, and all the people staying made it so easy and were lovely to my kids, and gave us ideas of were to go on a rainy day

There was nothing that I didn't like, it was a nice stay

🇳🇿

Claudia

9.1

February 2023

We stayed in the private double room - it was clean and comfortable and very affordable. We had two bathrooms between us and three of the other double rooms so having a shared bathroom was okay. Because we stayed on Saturday night we got to have the free brunch on Sunday

Would have liked a fan in the room as we stayed during summer and it was quite warm at night. I noticed heaters had been supplied

🇳🇿

Donghee

8.2

March 2023

Old fashioned, quaint hostel run by lovely owner and manager. Though the building could use a renovation, everything was tidy and the private room was well equipped with linens, towels, heater, extra blankets. Shower and toilet were clean. Kitchen wasn’t crowded.

A bit noisy at night, but I think that comes with staying in a hostel.

🇳🇿

Jenny

8.2

March 2024

Good value for money. Can't say anything about the communal spaces as we literally just came there to sleep. Comfortable bed. Both, bedroom and bathroom were clean. Looks like a few long-term guests there. Nothing flash but did the job for us.

🇳🇿

Chandravali

8.2

February 2023

The receptionist was very accomadating when I wanted to switch rooms due to feeling unsafe in the dormitory. She upgraded me to a room on my own which was very comfortable and private. The bedspread was beautiful.

There were guys outside drinking till about 2am which was a bit rough but that's not any fault of the establishment obviously.

🇲🇾

Nurul

8.2

March 2023

Friendly and helpful staff. They tried their best to help me out. The place is clean and organized thanks to the housekeeper who keeps it clean.

The location. It's 30 minutes walking from the intercity bus stop and it's not fun when you're carrying a heavy backpack. But other than that, a pleasant stay.

🇦🇺

Trixy

8.2

December 2023

Pretty good location (about 30min walk from city centre). Comfy bed. Very friendly manager (Fran). Lots of space.

Laundry was a bit crowded. However there’s a Liquid Laundromat nearby (8 min walk) so not much of an issue.

Points of Interest Around The Bug Backpackers

Airports

Nelson Airport

2.5mi

Woodbourne Airport

35.1mi

Picton Aerodrome

35.9mi

Amenities of The Bug Backpackers

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Garden view

Patio

Picnic area

Garden

Stay rules - The Bug Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property