South Island
New Zealand
the enchantment of a vintage stay
in a truly unspoilt place
The Best Island Bus sits on the shores of the Waimea Estuary near Nelson, on New Zealand’s stunning South Island
This classic bus is surrounded by the ever changing landscape of the estuary, with its diverse wildlife and dramatic views to the velvety hills of the Richmond Ranges. In the summer months the beautiful evening sun nearly always turns into an eye-popping sunset and in the cooler months the snow capped peaks of the Kahurangis are clearly visible on the horizon
accommodation
The Best Island Bus is an original sixties bus that has been lovingly modernised. We have endeavoured to combine comfortable and stylish accommodation with the charm and authenticity that a bus of this era has, in bucketloads.
cosy... secluded... and surprisingly spacious
The bus is situated at the end of our large garden in a secluded corner with its own private lawn. There is a large deck outside for breakfast al fresco with numerous cushions and loungers for those lazy evenings. A generous bathroom and laundry that is separate from the bus but easily accessed by a corridor. A fully fitted kitchen looks out over the garden. A queen bed with cotton sheets. At one end there is a large sofa where you can chill out and watch the herons and kingfishers.We have chosen not to have a TV but provide an i-pad with an assortment of films and documentaries. The i-pad also has information on what to do and where to eat out in the area.
A continental breakfast is provided during your stay.
The Best Island Bus sleeps two comfortably.
what we offer
When we made our move to the Tasman region from Wellington five years ago, we decided to create a holiday stay on the island. How could we not share such outstanding panoramic views of the Kahurangi Mountains and the unspoilt natural ecosystem of the Waimea Estuary.
Let’s do something different we said...enter the Best Island Bus!
- kayaking.... you can kayak onto the estuary a few metres from the end of the garden on a high tide. Kayaks available.
- biking.... the Great Taste Trail.... we can drop you off and pick you up. Bikes available.
- walk the beaches around the island
- special occasion gifts.... you can chat to us about these prior to arrival
- takeaways for late arrivals
- play golf on the island a few minutes away
ride the bike trail to Rabbit Island
or kayak up the estuary
our local area
Nelson really is a buzzing, vibrant town, compact enough to ramble around over a long weekend but with lots more further afield. Spend a day in the Abel Tasman National Park with its turquoise waters and easy walking trail, head south to the Nelson Lakes or explore the local wineries and breweries.
take time out to explore nelsontasman.nz
Hopping in one of our kayaks and paddling up the the estuary is a great way to start the day! You will see a variety of wading birds including the rare White Heron if you’re lucky and possibly a stingray on an out-going tide. The Great Taste Trail runs close by, a cruisy bike trail that takes you across swing bridges and through farmland and on towards Rabbit island, where you can take the ferry across to Mapua for lunch.
a few ideas to get you started
Suter Gallery and cafe in Nelson
Miyazu Japanese Gardens and Queens Gardens in Nelson
Mapua Wharf ... Ferry to Rabbit Island
guest book
“
Absolutely amazing place... the bus is so nice and the couple have done a fantastic job working on it... the place is very peaceful and have a very nice view... the garden is beautiful... there is everything you need. It's a 10 out 10.
- Lisa
“
By far the most beautiful and unusual accommodation in which we were so far. The bus was rebuilt by Simon and Clare with a lot of passion and love down to the smallest detail, so that you feel comfortable and appreciate the accommodation even more. It is incredibly cozy, clean and felt like at home. You live in the middle of nature by the sea with a wonderful view, which you can enjoy in the evening on the sofa on the bus or on the chairs on the terrace with a cool drink. It is absolutely quiet, you only hear the birds and grilling around it. Simon and Clare are wonderful hosts who are always accessible and very helpful. They provided us with their two kayaks and bicycles, so that we could make our vacation there even more varied and experience more.
- Simon
“
This bus is really one of a kind with a lot of love into details. Pictures can't describe how unique this place is. Clare and Simon are wonderful hosts that spent so much work and love in this unique accommodation.
- Amy
“
Words can't describe how truly amazing this place is! My sister and I were absolutely blown away with our night here. As we've travelled around New Zealand, this is our favorite stay so far. I always search for a unique or quirky accommodation, something a little different and out of the ordinary. Clare and Simon certainly went above and beyond to make this feel like a magical night away, a strong 10/10!
- Laura
“
We felt immediately at peace when arriving at this unique bus. It was even more cozy and delicate than what we had thought. We spent our evening on the porch grilling and enjoying the lovely view. Quite regrettable that we only could stay one night as we would have loved to slow down and do some kayaking and more exploration of the island and Nelson area with the bus as base.
- Vilde
booking your stay
You can book your Best Island Bus stay here
We manage our bookings and enquiries personally. We endeavour to be in touch as soon as possible.
There are discounted rates for longer stays. All reservations are subject to confirmation.
Once your booking is agreed we will send you an invoice with all the details
You can pay for your accommodation online with:
- Credit card through PayPal
- Direct Credit - NZ Bank account required
$235/night.
Unfortunately there is no disabled access and we are unable to cater for pets. We can cater for one extra person; please contact us for further details.
Check in time 4pm
Check out time 11am
If you need to come earlier or leave later let us know and we’ll see what we can do.
Full payment is required on booking.
Full refund for cancellations more than 60 days before check-in.
No refund for cancellations less than 60 days before check-in.
*Any transaction fees will be deducted from reimbursements
finding us
Ignore the NO ENTRY sign then follow the orange signs
