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7.3

539 reviews

The Bug Backpackers

The Bug Backpackers

226 Vanguard Street, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

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 $18, 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 539 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

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

Garden view

Patio

Picnic area

Garden

Rooms

Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
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
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Double Room with Private Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
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
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Family Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Family, Shared Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

2 Bunk Beds

Shower

x8

+

x4

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
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Single Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
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
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room in The Bug Backpackers
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
Queen Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Queen Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Queen Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
Queen Room with Shared Bathroom in The Bug Backpackers
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.

Show 3 photos

Queen Room, Private Bathroom

1 Queen Size Bed

Private Bathroom

More details

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 4 photos

Family, Bunk

1 Bunk Bed

x8

+

x4

More details

Guest reviews

7.3

539 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇦🇺

Emma

9.1

February 2025

The staff, the vibe, the inclusivity. It was well organised and an additional blessing of a lovely shared Sunday brunch (gifted by the owner) was a lovely touch. It was super friendly and relaxed. Everyone was chilled and respectful of others' needs when I was there.

Squeaky doors! I was up early and trying to creep out without noise was thwarted by the squeaky doors!! It wouldn't necessarily be ideal for a solo traveller without much life experience due to the mixed clientele - it could be a bit daunting and uncomfortable in that context.

🇫🇷

Rosa

8.2

December 2024

Very nice personnel, xmas lunch proposed 😋 and it was really good. Nice hostel toi stay, with a nice garden.

Little far from center of Nelson, one neighbor in the hostel who was very very noisy, shouting and singing the whole night! I think that he also drank a lot, because he smelled alcohol and I sincerely did not want to cross him at the entrance. Exception this guest, the hostel is very nice.

🇳🇿

Joe

8.2

July 2024

The willingness to help and cultivate trust in a customer / service scenario. My circumstances were such that I could pay for an upgraded room but not until the last night I was staying and the owner was very gracious in accommodating this request 🙂. Also her generosity was not unnoticed when the free Sunday breakfast/lunch was provided. Very happy with my interaction with the owner and staff.

The ONLY thing that I can think of (and it's not really anything) but I wanted access to the bicycles that ARE there for use , its only a little matter of the key to the locks being misplaced so this couldn't happen.

🇦🇺

Karen

8.2

November 2024

Loved Fran (Francis) she was so welcoming and helpful when we arrived here at Bug Backpackers and made our stay very enjoyable. We had a room with a queen bed, and it was so comfortable. The room was nice and big with a lounge chair in it. We had a shared bathroom, and it was very clean. The kitchen and lounge area were great, clean and tidy.

Only thing bad I could say is the toilet door squeaked and in the middle of the night it seemed loud as you are trying to be quite and not wake people. I would definitely stay here again as it was value for money.

🇳🇿

Anna

8.2

December 2024

The place was very clean, tidy, well organised. My room was spacious and comfortable. The manager Trina was friendly and helpful. When I asked her for a fan so I could close the window, she found one for me. My food didn't go missing. I slept well there.

Maybe young single female should not stay there but it depends on your life experience. Get a single room.

🇳🇿

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.

🇬🇧

Jessica

10

January 2025

Excellent staff! The lady caretaker/manager who looks after the place all day every day was so helpful and kind! She helped me and my partner when we had an issue with our booking (our fault) and made sure we were comfortable and couldnt have done more to help us!!! We stayed here before we went to the Abel Tasman over new year.

🇬🇧

Michael

9.1

January 2025

Exceptionally good value for a private double room. The vibe of the place is a little odd as there are long term tenants, but they all seemed friendly and harmless enough. Beyond that Fran the proprietor was very friendly and welcoming. This place is perfect for those on a budget.

🇳🇿

Anne-catherine

8.2

August 2024

The staff was great, kind, funny, attentive

Some people was very dirty, which would give some bad reviews, while our stay spent very well. Thank you Frances and all the team for your kindness Xoxo from French girls 😃

🇳🇿

Robinson

10

June 2025

Cozy and friendly atmosphere that felt more like a home than a backpackers. Lovely back garden with access to grill.

The kitchen was a but small. If all the rooms were occupied, I think the kitchen would have been crowded.

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

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

Garden view

Patio

Picnic area

Garden

Stay rules - The Bug Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

From

$18