Located in Best Island, this bed & breakfast is on the waterfront. Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and Marsden Recreation Ground reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Pic's Peanut Butter World and Natureland Zoo. Travelling with kids? Consider Nelson Fun Park and Flamedaisy Glass Design. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars - 15 min drive - 17.0 km
Nelson Market - 24 min drive - 22.8 km
Christ Church Cathedral - 24 min drive - 23.1 km
Trafalgar Park - 25 min drive - 23.8 km
Getting around
Nelson (NSN) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Zink - 9 min drive
Kimchi & Wasabi - 8 min drive
Coffee On Queen - 8 min drive
Sublime Coffee - 14 min drive
About this property
Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place...
The Best Island Bus offers unique accommodation on the shores of the Waimea Inlet. There is a queen bed that gets wonderful morning sun and has views to the garden. We have included a designated luggage and storage area for your cases. The kitchen is compact with a double sink, a ceramic hob, a fridge and microwave/grill. We have sourced a retro table and comfortable dining chairs. Best of all, a generous sofa that looks out over the estuary, where you can stretch out with a book and glance at the herons and kingfishers.
We provide a continental breakfast during your stay.
A corridor links the bus with the bathroom and laundry. The bathroom is calm and roomy; the laundry is at the end of the corridor and screened from view by bi-fold doors. The corridor has a large window at one end that looks out onto a leafy garden.
USB portals are near the table and in the bedroom.
We have chosen not to have a television but provide an i pad with an assortment of films and documentaries. The i pad will have local information on what to do and where to eat out. Several games and books are scattered throughout the bus for you to enjoy.
There is a large deck outside the bus, with tables and chairs for breakfast al fresco and a variety of cushions for lazy afternoons. The deck gets good morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoons. There is a BBQ alongside the deck. In front of the deck is a large lawn for your use, well planted and screened from the lane. There’s a hammock too for that afternoon snooze.
Hopping in a kayak at the end of the garden couldn’t be easier; we often paddle past rays on the outgoing tide. Biking “The Great Taste Trail” to Rabbit Island is a stunning trip past orchards, rivers and pine forests, probably about 45mins one way. Rabbit Island is an expansive, wild beach, great for walking and safe for swimming; you can easily find a remote spot amongst the driftwood.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Frequently asked questions
Is Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place... pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place...?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place... on 20 Jun 2026 start from £98, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place...?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place...?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place...?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place... located?
This family-friendly Best Island bed & breakfast is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Greenacres Golf Course and Hoglund Art Glass. Richmond Mall and Seifried Estate Winery are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place... Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great couple greeted us , let us know we coud arrive early and they had a lot of pride in the Bus. Fantastic place to stay and plenty of space - bigger than some hotel rooms I've stayed at!
The hosts were extremely welcoming. Watching the sun set while laying in the hammock and daybed was an absolute dream. All we heard was the birds, no road noise. So peaceful.
Best bus! Best hosts! Best VRBO! In addition to its uniqueness, Simon and Claire have done a spectacular job of outfitting and decorating Best Bus. It had everything we needed, very well configured and organized, for our five day stay. A VRBO.
What an incredible haven Clare and Simon have lovingly created from this charming old bus. So much attention to detail makes it spacious, practical and enchanting. We absolutely fell in love with it, as did family who visited. Magical sunsets from the deck, great couch for snuggling in with a book, and a joy to cook and barbecue - we never ate out! Highly recommended.
We had a great 2 night stay. We brought our 1yo as she sleeps km bed with us and the hosts had set up some toys and a highchair especially for her. The whole place is super well thought out and you can tell they really care about making jt a great experience for their guests, down to all the little details! The frwahlt squeezed orange juice was superb, comfy bed and couch, great spot to get away and relax. We cooked meat on the bbq both of our nights. We had a great time. Definitely recommend! Thank you so much!
Beautiful spot & lovely accommodation which Clare & Simon have thoughtfully kitted out. From a cracking BBQ to phone chargers and cozy spots to curl up with a book or soak in the fabulous scenery. It is magical & close the bike trail. book or soaksoak in the
This old bus has been re-imagined in a very creative way. We were very impressed by how thoughtful and well done the rebuild project was. Clean and lots of room for 2 adults. Great shower and washroom facility. Comfortable bed. Our hosts were personable and helpful. We highly recommend this stay.
John & Jeri
(March, 2023)
Great design and the Bus has been magically transformed into a fantastic place to stay in an idyllic location. Best Island is well positioned for you to access Abel Tasman and the local vineyards.
Spacious well equipped layout, very clean and tidy with lovely views over the estuary - at high tide, take a trip in the Kayaks provided. Has a nice outdoor area for you to BBQ and relax.
Our hosts were wonderful and welcoming and made our stay very special. We will be forever grateful.
The Best Island Bus was one of the highlights of our NZ Adventure! Totally unique experience in a tranquil location - ALL the creature comforts for home away from home with awesome hosts - a memory & story that will last a lifetime! Don't hesitate - when you need a lift...take the BUS! 🚎
We had a two night stay in this simply marvelous bus. It was so much fun! The bus is in the host’s backyard but completely private. The bus has a wonderful kitchenette, eating space, lounge space and bedroom with an attached hallway that led to the spacious bathroom and the washer and dryer. This was a convenient location for our day trip to the Abel Tasman National Park. The hosts are gracious, communicate well, and provided a lovely continental breakfast for us on the bus. It was fun to have this space on this island.
Thank you Clare and Simon for the most wonderful stay. Your loving and careful restoration of this vintage bus is truly impressive, as-is the attention to detail in all your printed material and thoughtfulness towards your guests. The accommodation is spacious, light, airy and full of carefully preserved character, and the location is lovely. Thank you for your warm welcome, good conversation and the space and privacy you gave us, and also for the quality bread, milk and cereal you provided. A unique and restful getaway, highly recommended and much appreciated.
The "Best Bus" will not disappointment any new visitor. The lovely property owners Clare and Simon very welcoming, but also give your personal space. The bus is incredibly well equipped with all the amenities required to have a relaxing, chilled break away. The refurbishment of the bus has been done to a very high standard, and the interior has an organic chilled feel. Without a doubt we'll be back some time in the future. Thanks again :)