Bridge Backpackers

6/10

Pleasant

25 Feb 2026

Michael

You get what you pay for

Self

2/10

Poor

17 Jan 2026

HENRY

I arrived before 3.00pm got the key from the safety box and waited in the lounge till 3.00. The room wasn’t cleaned at all and the old bed clothes still there. I rand the phone number for the night manager (the only number inside in the hostel) he came and was complaining that I rang before his shift at 8.00pm! The room was cleaned I got into it by 3.30 pm but in my opinion the duvet cover was’nt changed and I had my doubts about the fitted sheet. All in all I won’t be going there again.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2025

Christine

Good late checkin

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

Frances

Nice common areas, well equipped, clean and nice decor. Staff friendly and responsive. Room clean, bit faded but good for the price.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2025

Jamie

Nice spot to stay for a night. Great location to Nelson shops. We had an issue getting into the hostel as they ask you to call reception, however I did not have a cell phone plan to call. I emailed the hostel and did not recieve a response. We eventually were able to get someone's attention, however it would have been easier if a door code was emailed to us prior to our check in time.
On the flip side of the coin, this place is very secure :)

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2025

florence

Conveniently located downtown. somewhat tired and dated facilities. Parking is unavailable during the day.

4/10

Poor

19 Feb 2025

Talia

The place was very cramped and humid. Desperately in need of AC of fans for all rooms

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Kathleen

Very friendly atmosphere and facilities were great.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2025

Dudley

Comfortable stay

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

The room we stayed in smelled of dog or cat pee. Although we thought that opening the window and door would diminish the smell, the smell did not change. During the night when the door and window were closed, the strong odour made it impossible to sleep. When I called staff the next morning to explain, staff was told that the previous person's pet was inside the room because it was pet-friendly. They apologized and we decided to stop rating the room, but it is strange that the staff did not notice the smell until we told them, and the room and kitchen are dirtier than when I stayed before, the stove is broken and we would like to see improvements, so we rate the room honestly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jan 2025

Emily

Great location, great staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2024

racheal

Dorm was spacious and clean. Plenty of bathrooms and showers. I arrived after reception, and I found the information for late check in was easy. Good hostel :)

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

25 Apr 2024

Verified traveler

Bed bugs…

I stayed here for two nights and everything seemed fine. The staff was very kind during check-in ans the kitchen was very clean. When I got into my room, it was well kept as well. I did not like the shower because the step was so high to get out (it’s fine going in, but when you forget and going out, I almost fell - 20Litre backpack for reference), the light was also responsible for the fan which made such a loud noise but worst of all, I found three bugs on my pillowcase throughout the duration of my stay. I mustered my courage and killed them and figured I would be able to pass the night but I have itchy bites all over my body, it’s horrendous! I told a staff member and showed her my photo as I was checking out and she seemed concerned as she had deep cleaned the room just a few days prior.

Self

4/10

Poor

25 Apr 2024

Verified traveler

Bed bugs…

I stayed here for two nights and everything seemed fine. The staff was very kind during check-in ans the kitchen was very clean. When I got into my room, it was well kept as well. I did not like the shower because the step was so high to get out (it’s fine going in, but when you forget and going out, I almost fell - 20Litre backpack for reference), the light was also responsible for the fan which made such a loud noise but worst of all, I found three bugs on my pillowcase throughout the duration of my stay. I mustered my courage and killed them and figured I would be able to pass the night but a little time afterwards, I have itchy bites all over my body, it’s horrendous! I told a staff member and showed her my photo as I was checking out and she seemed concerned as she had deep cleaned the room just a few days prior.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

16 Apr 2024

sam

Dirty

Not very clean at all. Pillow case had holes in. Didn't use kitchen as always too busy. Only 2 parking spaces slightly missing leading on advert. No hot water in shower one day. Shower head to low I'm 5ft 3 and I couldnt stand under it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2024

kenneth

Good place in nice city center area — great staff —- good backpacker environment

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2024

kenneth

Very nice room - I had .#2 — place was clean, safe and in heart of the Nelson city center

Loved the staff and vibe- hope to return

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

22 Mar 2024

Alexandra

Arrived at the hostel at 6.15pm, the reception had closed at 6pm. I was sent email instructions to collect a key from a safe, I opened the safe and there was no key for my name/room.

I asked around if anyone had seen any hostel staff, they had not. I tried emailing them but they only respond to emails during their working hours from 9am to 6pm. I then added credit to my phone to call their number - this went straight to voicemail and said they only answer calls between 9-6. There was NO emergency number to call out of hours.

After hanging around for over an hour I was about to leave and book a new hostel when a staff member appeared. He did not even apologise about what had happened. He said I was lucky as he doesn’t normally get up until 10pm.

I would strongly recommend not staying here if you are planning on arriving outside of their office opening hours.

The hostel in general was also odd and completely unsociable.

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2024

Emma

Good value for money. Property is old and needs a bit of maintenance, but generally is clean and comfortable. My main annoyance was how much sound travelled from the courtyard into the room, even just the sound of other rooms opening and closing doors, walking up and down the stairs. So once everyone was up preparing for their early Abel Tasman departures, it meant I was up too. But in the grand scheme if things, this wasn't really a big deal for me.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

05 Mar 2024

Sujata

My booking was cancelled through a glitch in the system an no faultof my own. So i had to find another place to stay. I tried to contact the Backpackers and Expedia to sort out a refund, had nothing but silence from both, even though when i ent and followed up the next day, the dudes on the front desk assured me that Expedia would get in touch with them to sort it out. After an initial conversation with Expedia ive had nothing back. Terrible service. Disgusting actually. From Expedia and the Backpackers. Do yourselves a favour and book in with the YHA round the corner.😒

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2024

Helena

Reception was very accommodating and helpful.
Room was clean and had what we needed.
Outside was a bit run down.

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2024

Samantha

I spent two nights in a 4-bed female dorm.

Pros:
- Excellent communication
- Easy after-hours check-in process
- Clean showers and toilets
- Sink in dorm
- Personal power outlets and lamps at each bed

Cons:
- No fan in room; room got very warm
- Bedbugs

C

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2024

Ginia

We had a great stay over Christmas then again after new year. It was a bit strange being away from home at this time but the hostel staff made a big effort to make it fun with a lovely party. The common areas are great with loads of space and equipment to cook and relax. It’s very close to the bus stop and local restaurants. They kept our bags for us while we walked the Abel Tasman track. The hostel has a great vibe and we will be returning when we finish our trip around the South Island.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2023

ed

Ideal for back packing, really nice area

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Nov 2023

Niki

Have stayed here before and wasn’t terribly impressed. Read something that said it had had a facelift so thought I’d try again. However still think it is very tired and could do with further upgrade. Great location and lots of potential ..

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2023

Verified traveler

Pleasant to go there

That is the second time I have stayed at the
Bride street Backpavkers its just a pity thry don't have single rooms.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2023

Peter

I loved that there was a guitar there that I could play!

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2023

Leanne

Tidy, good location

Business_and_leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

25 Sep 2023

Marise

When booking this room i rang in advance to see if there was parking available - no onsite parking. A little inconvenient. The staff member informed me that i couldnt book the dates i wanted because there were no rooms available even though the website was allowing me to book the dates i wanted - the dates were accepted and turns out the room was available. A bit confusing.
Upon arrival staff were helpful. The room was was very unclean and had a musty smell of urine and mould. Being pregnant and travelling with my son this was not ideal. The bathroom was dirty and the bed was very hard. Unfortunately i did not think it was on the same street as the night clubs in nelson - it happened to be a saturday night so many drunk loud people in the street close by and right next to our room at the backpackers. I only managed to get 3 hours of light sleep. We had booked 2 nights, i couldnt stay another night, we checked out early and informed the staff of our dissapointment. We were not able to be refunded, we still had to pay for a room somewhere else - they told us because we booked through wotif.co.nz and not directly with them no refund could be given. Do not reccomend this property.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Sep 2023

Bronwyn

While overall everything was clean and comfortable, it would be good to see the kitchen food storage boxes wiped out between users.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

09 Aug 2023

Ben

Terrible one of the worst I have ever stayed . Honestly think a prison might be nicer

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2023

Lynda

staff was the best and vibe was great

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2023

Sam

It was a great place to stay in town so you could walk to basically any shop you liked staff where friendly and help full the whole time we stayed

4/10

Poor

28 Apr 2023

Matthew

Not worth it.

Room (double private ensuite) was not as described - no towels or hairdryer provided but were listed.
Check in closed earlier than listed (6pm not 8pm)
Provided late check in details (via email) 2 days after checking out!

Business

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2023

Gary

Good cental location, clean and safe storage for bike. Room clean and spacious. Very comfortable bed.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2023

Claire

A great place to stay and so handy to the bus station

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

27 Feb 2023

Verified traveler

Bed bugs in room

This review is negative as there were bed bugs in my room which have bitten me a lot. If this is fixed which the team tried to look at after my stay (i only noticed on last night) then id generally have no issues with this stay)
Facilties wise this has everything you want and location is good.

Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Nov 2022

Marcelo

kitchen and dining room were very nice, room with 2 beds was small and bathroom not very clean

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2022

Jon

I loved my recent two night stay at this property. Very convenient location. Nice & quiet. Very good vibe. Brad & Stella were outstanding - excellent & friendly service. Thank you very much

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

20 Oct 2022

Pranav

Didn’t like the property at all. The room was disgusting with Cobb webs everywhere. There were mosquitoes everywhere and I must have been bit over 10 times. The reception person was super rude when asked for a question and the bathroom was disgusting. Had to clean it when I got there at night and the heater in the room didn’t work at all. Garbage hostel would not recommend anyone to stay here.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2022

Sally

I found it clean and bright. Outside in the courtyard was a little scruffy but it was hard to judge as it was teeming rain. It's probably lovely in Nelson's usual sunshine.
I couldn't see a recycling bin.
Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Business_and_leisure Self

4/10

Poor

31 Mar 2022

Piki

Shame about the neighbour

Was impressed with the service and the facilities are lovely and good value. However the neighbour who coughed, gagged and moaned and groaned from 4am to 6.30am needed to go to hospital. I think he had Covid!! Totally ruined the stay for me. Not sure you can do anything about the sound but something to consider. Also the showers in the ensuite are a hazard being raised so high to step in and out of. Not sure why one would have it raised so high, it was bizarre.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2022

Gael

lovely friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2021

Iain

I liked the space, cleanliness and welcoming environment. A comfortable and relaxing home away from home.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

02 May 2021

Verified traveler

Not my type of accommodation too many restrictions with no facilities in the room

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Comfy bed, lovely room, and generally clean and tidy ! Friendly and helpful staff too!

A new dart board is needed!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

02 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Nice common areas, close to shops, good location, safe.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

El Hostel muy lindo y limpio. Lo único que no me gustó es que no se puede comer en la sala de Tv.

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Was good overall, will stay again.
Was happy to see some fresh towels

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

01 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Out room was at the back of the main property. The website was misleading. Our room felt like a prison cell.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

Prime location, very central but quiet; friendly staff; clean, yet basic rooms.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

13 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

Disappointed

Toilet ventilation very bad can smell the bad toilet odour once the door opened. Kitchen and dining area not tidy by other backpackers after used at night time, even thought signs stated on the wall. They should state 'clearly' for the rubbish should be recycle or rubbish, not everything conclude as rubbish. Not shown according as the photos ☹️ Only good thing is the location walking distance to city centre and tracks.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2020

Yuta

WiFi super fast and good vibes!

The room I stayed was clean and I could see nice people there. Each bed had power outlet and a lamp, so I did not any problem with charging my electronics. Wifi was super fast so I could upload videos and photos that I took from traveling very quickly (wifi in the room). Parking was on the street less than 5 minutes from the hostel. No problem with finding spot for a night.

There was only one upper bed left when I checked in to the 4 people dorm room( I think it was room #3) so I took that one, and I found out it’s a bit hard to climb up since the upper bed is very high, like the highest I have ever seen in any backpackers (which might be good for person who took down bed because there is spacious room) .
Overall, great place to stay in Nelson.
Highly recommended.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2020

shirley

clean qwite room .all good thanks .would come again

Business Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jul 2020

Rach

The overall property was great.... I have a bad shoulder injury and asked if I could swap rooms as I couldn’t get on the top bunk I was told NO. The room I have is it.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Hostel

The hostel is well located with friendly and helpful staff. The facilities And common areas are great Only negative was the stairs up to the dorms and the top bunk beds are not the easiest or safest to get up and down from.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Liked access to a kitchen and the good backpackers atmosphere

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2020

Liam

Best hostel in Nelson

Stayed in private double ensuite. Is what it says on the tin. Clean, plentiful sockets, warm showers. Staff present nearly all the time if needed and very friendly. Cooking facilities brilliant. Free basic breakfast provided. Location perfectly in centre of town, but qeaceful too. Communal areas plentiful and comfortable. 10/10 hostel all day long.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Nov 2019

Nicola

Bridge Backpackers Great Value

For the price this was an amazing stay. High cleanliness quiet close to amenities and coach service. Kitchen facilities available so able to prepare and cook own meals saving dollars. Free breakfast offered but we had to leave to early to catch coach so could not take advantage. The room has many electrical plugs which we found very handy. Other travellers very friendly. We enjoyed our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

So good I went back a week later do I really need to say more?

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

05 Nov 2019

Stephen

Good, clean backpackers in centre of town

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2019

Skye

Good location, very friendly staff. Rooms are a little small but beds are comfy

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

25 Mar 2019

brian

Nice for a night.

Great place for a night, we had a private en-suite with twin beds, ask for a 2nd floor as we felt we couldn’t have our curtains open as everyone walking by looked in. Seems like being treated like children to be told you can’t have coffee or a beer in your room. I’ll stay somewhere I can relax in my own room next time.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Good for what it is

Got the job done. Good for the price. The kitchen was clean.

8/10

Excellent

26 Feb 2019

wilma

staying at bridges,nelson

stay at bridges was a pleasant surprise, reception was quick and friendly we were impressed with cleanliness and decor, although the room and on suite were small ,,they were clean ,and beds very comfy.

with countdown supermarket 5 min away, and bus Depot 3 min ,we had two lovely days at the nearby tahunanui beach,13 min by bus,also a day at the mall was welcomed ,20 min by bus. one thing negative was the 10 pm quite time,staying not being observed,as we had people partying till 12pm in the courtyard out side our room, apart from that good place to stay.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

A nice place to stay

The room was good & separate to the dorm accommodation & very close to the bus station.

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

A very nice place to stay

The room , ensuite, service were good & that the private rooms were separate to thew main building. The level of cleanliness was very high. It was very close to the bus station.

8/10

Excellent

14 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

It's modern hostel, looks good. However the bed was not clean.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Dec 2018

Holly

Loved it!

Very pretty and CLEAN hostel right in the center of town.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2018

Lauren

Wonderful stay for an affordable price!

Everything was great. New, clean, modern rooms, Friendly staff, and free breakfast!! Parking was easy overnight, and right in the centre of town! I would stay here again!

6/10

Pleasant

07 Dec 2018

Isidoros

good value for money , but

really good value for money. however, pictures are not really representative. rooms are bit dated and bathroom was bit smelly. excellent common areas available for use by all. receptionist was very helpful and efficient. excellent location. overall a good option and good value for money for something not that fancy.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2018

Laura

Greatest hostel I have stayed in so far! Very comfortable beds with 2 plugs and bed light and airco in room. Lots of great games available to play in the social room. Amazing kitchen with free breakfast between 8 and 9 am, you even have a pick between waffles, juice, cornflakes and toast with jam or peanutbutter. Also boxes in kitchen which can be labelled with names to keep your shoppings in and keeps everything organised. Lovely staff!

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Great value stay

We had a private en suite room. The bed was comfy, check in/out was easy, and the location across from the bus terminal convenient. The en suite bathroom was not great but was clean and sufficient. We were able to store our luggage while out hiking Abel Tasman NP. The kitchen was clean, spacious, and very well stocked.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2018

James

Very central location in Nelson CBD, I’m definitely keen to come back

6/10

Pleasant

19 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Common areas were clean and large. Room (private double) was clean but very small. Toilet plumbing was incredibly loud and lasted a long time. The shower stall was at least 18\" off the floor for unknown reasons - very hard to get in and out, especially with wet feet and no mat. While residents complied with the 10 p.m. quiet time, until that time the conversation noise outside my room was pretty loud. My room location was at the top of the stairs and made for a lot of traffic and noise as people went by the room. These items were primarily just irritants and why I gave it overall an average rating.