Catch a cheap InterCity bus to Nelson. Modern InterCity buses travel to Nelson daily from destinations around the South Island. Travelling on a budget is easy with InterCity.

Search for a bus to Nelson with New Zealand's most popular national bus network and book online.

 

Approximate bus to Nelson travel times:

Picton to Nelson = 2 hours 15 minutes

Blenheim to Nelson = 2 hours

Marahau to Nelson = 1 hour

Christchurch to Nelson = 7 hours 35 minutes

Franz Josef to Nelson = 10 hours 15 minutes

Fox Glacier to Nelson = 11 hours

An alternative route from Christchurch to Nelson travelling partway on the TranzAlpine railway is also available and takes approximately 11 hours to complete. The journey travels a spectacular route from Christchurch to Nelson via Greymouth, stopping at Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps. Learn more about the TranzAlpine.

 

About Nelson

Nelson is situated at the top of the South Island on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay. Just a short 2 hour drive from Picton, Nelson is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand and is known for its creative feel and relaxed lifestyle.

Nelson is home to three stunning National Parks, the Abel Tasman National which is the most popular of the three parks, Nelson Lakes National Park with its lakeside walks and majestic mountains, Kahurangi National Park, home to the Heaphy track which is known as the place to be for winter mountain biking.

Around 25 wineries that are scattered across the rolling hills around Nelson, many of producing award-winning wines. The Nelson region has some of the best destinations for white water rafting and kayaking: with 18 rivers within 45 minutes, there are many white water experiences to be had. Find out more about Nelson at nelson.co.nz