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Trips & Transfers Nelson Lakes and Beyond

 The licensed shuttle & tour company based in St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park.

Bespoke Nelson & Marlborough Tours & Shuttle to Tracks & Accommodation in the Top of South Island, New Zealand.

Trips & Transfers offers a bespoke shuttle and tour service to help you make the most of your time exploring the stunning Nelson and Marlborough regions at the Top of the South Island of New Zealand.

Base yourself in Nelson for that city vibe, or relax in the Nelson Lakes for a true NZ experience. Our guided tours take the hassle out of driving, so you have more time to relax and enjoy! Take in the breathtaking nature on one of our guided Mindful Hikes, the Ultimate Tasman Experience, a Wine Tour, or the Nelson Artisans tour.

Tours depart from Nelson or St Arnaud. We’re also able to tailor a tour to suit you.

Our shuttle service to Tracks or Accommodations goes on demand.

Bespoke Shuttle  for 1 to 11 persons

TRIPS & TRANSFERS SHUTTLE LAKE ROTOITI

10+ Reasons to Book Your Next Trip with Trips & Transfers

  1. Perfect for Everyone: Whether you're a tramper, day tripper, or touring around, we’ve got you covered.

  2. Convenient Pick-Up: We offer pick-up services directly from the airport or your accommodation for ultimate convenience.

  3. Flexibility at Its Best: Your schedule is our priority. We work to fit around your timetable, not the other way around.

  4. 5-Star Experience: Don’t just take our word for it – our guests rave about our true Kiwi hospitality, reflected in our glowing 5-star reviews.

  5. Expert Female Drivers: Travel with confidence knowing that all our drivers are highly skilled women with 30+ years of experience.

  6. Comfort & Eco-Friendly: Our fleet features modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly vehicles, ensuring you travel in style and sustainability.

  7. Fast & Reliable Communication: We make it easy to contact us, and we communicate quickly, reliably, and efficiently every step of the way.

  8. Qualmark Certified for Sustainability: We’re proud to be Qualmark certified, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable travel.

  9. Local Expertise: Our professional guides are locals who know the area inside out, providing you with a truly authentic experience.

  10. Certified & Safe Vehicles: Our vehicles are fully certified with CoF, TSL, and DoC concession, ensuring safety and peace of mind.

  11. Rideshare-Friendly: We’re happy to include rideshare options when possible to make your travel even more convenient.

Experience the South Island

Private Guided Day Trips & Hikes

Ready to experience the best in comfort, reliability, and authentic Kiwi hospitality? Book your tour or transfer with Trips & Transfers today and enjoy seamless travel from start to finish!

1. Introduction to Nelson Lakes National Park

  • Location: Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park lies at the southern end of the Nelson region, around 100 kilometers from Nelson City.

  • Overview: Established in 1956, it is famous for its pristine lakes (Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua), stunning mountain ranges, diverse flora and fauna, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

2. Scenic Highlights

  • Lake Rotoiti & Lake Rotorua: These clear, turquoise lakes are perfect for scenic views, boat tours, and water activities like kayaking and fishing.

  • St Arnaud Range: Majestic mountain views with hiking tracks leading to panoramic views of the park.

  • Fungi and Flora: The park features a rich diversity of native plants, such as beech forests, and is also home to many species of birds like the South Island Kaka and the Great Crested Grebe.

3. Activities in Nelson Lakes National Park

This is an essential part for travelers visiting the park. List activities like:

  • Hiking & Walking Tracks: There are various tracks, from easy strolls to challenging hikes:

    • The Angelus Hut Track (multi-day, rewarding alpine experience).

    • The Lake Rotoiti Loop Track (easy walk with breathtaking views).

    • The Mount Robert Summit Track (moderate, for stunning lake and alpine vistas).

  • Kayaking & Canoeing: Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua.

  • Fishing: Both lakes are great for fishing, especially for rainbow trout.

  • Camping & Picnicking: There are several designated camping areas, especially near Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua.

  • Mountain Biking: Some tracks offer biking opportunities, such as the St Arnaud Mountain Bike Trail.

Not just a shuttle....

We care about your experience from enquiry to transfer and more. Trips & Transfers stands for a personal and efficient service to ensure your tour or transfer is a great experience.
Our philosophy is to care for our guests and it is the small things we do that make the difference. We’re dedicated to providing genuine Kiwi hospitality and sharing our knowledge with you.

Tracks and local transfers.

Looking for a flexible & reliable shuttle service? We go when & where you want to go.

Are the Nelson Lakes Travers Sabine Circuit, St James Walkway, the Heaphy Track, The Old Ghost Road, on your "must do" wish list, then let us take you there! Trips & Transfers offers bespoke flexible door to door transport to get you to or from Picton, Nelson & Blenheim airports to your accommodation and the start /end of tracks anywhere in the Top of the South Island.

We are the only transport and tour service based in St Arnaud, the gateway to Lake Rotoiti & the Nelson Lakes National Park, in the top of the South Island. We go when you want to go & where you want to go!

Some of our destinations in the Top of the South Island

  • Nelson & Blenheim Airports and towns in the Top of the South

  • Country Lodges and Retreats

  • Nelson Lakes National Park/ Richmond Ranges; St Arnaud, Mt Robert, Travers Sabine, Lake Rotoroa to Lake Rotoiti, Maitakitaki, Hackets Carpark

  • St James Walkway/ Boyle Village

  • Kahurangi National Park; Heaphy Track, Flora Carpark, Old Ghost Trail, Rolling River, Kohaihai, Karamea

  • Picton, Marlborough Sounds

We are a proud sponsor of the Kea Conservation Trust so a portion of your fare is a donation towards helping to save the Kea.

Have spare time on arrival or before your flight? Make your transfer even more memorable.

Trips & Transfers offers clients the possibility of a short tour as a part of their transfer en route to/from your pick up or drop off point. Want to have a wine tasting experience, grab a local beer at a micro brewery, want to have lunch or visit an artisan in the Nelson region? Check out our Experiences. We’ll customise the day tour to suit your schedule and destination. Ask us about where to find the best cafe, cheese scones, pies or cheeses in the Nelson /Tasman region. We’ll not only tell you but we’ll take you there !!!!

Your transport is private and in an AWD Toyota Granvia  (or similar) with plenty of space for 5 adults or in a modern 11 seater Toyota Commuter van for larger groups. We operate out of St Arnaud, the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park and now around Nelson. Other vehicles on request.

View fullsize Trips & Transfers Artisans tour takes you to some unique places. #tripstransfersnelsonlakes #sarau #artisans #tourguidenz
View fullsize Trips & Transfers is at Tahuna Beach Nelson. We always make time to watch a sunset. #tripstransfersnelsonlakes #tahunabeach #kahuranginationalpark #sunsetphotography
View fullsize Time warp
View fullsize WINTER is the best time for STARGAZING. Book your accommodation at Rotoiti Retreat, Nelson Lakes via our website this winter to enjoy an awesome night sky ( weather permitting). 2 nights Accommodation includes breakfast and dinner for 2 and our starg
View fullsize Out on tour with a great bunch of people around the Kapiti Coast. Certainly impressed with the variety of sights, the bird song on Kapiti Island. Paraparamu Beach was our location for this Staycation. #dosomethingnewnz #proguidesnz #pictonnz #kapitic
View fullsize On the road with our Silver Service😉 Trips and Transfers vehicle. Yes our high spec. 12 seater van has arrived. Why not consider getting friends together for a day out or longer. Check out our FlexiGo NZ Travel offering. Your driver guide is ready f
View fullsize Fresh snow on mountain tops 🗻❄️in the #lewispass. Returning to the Nelson Lakes after transferring some 'drowned' trampers to Christchurch on Friday. You would think it is winter, not the middle of February. Be warned if you are thinking of doing t
View fullsize A hidden gem thats just off the highway. A popular tramp and destination for Trips&Transfers (Top of the South). Where was I?
View fullsize All in a days work.. Can anyone guess where i was on Thursday... I'll give you a clue. Amazing flora. #nelsontasman I felt like I was between heaven and earth. Photos dont do the scenery justice. #backyourbackyard
View fullsize A walk in the Park #NelsonLakes amongst nature's art.
View fullsize Just some pictures from my place here in the Nelson Lakes. Jack frost has hung around all week. With sunny days its been invigorating. No sun today so even at 11am everything is still frozen.
View fullsize #autumncolours🍁 #backyourownbackyard #nzroadtrip #mybackyard #nzairbnb #nzaccommodation
View fullsize Lakeside walk to Whisky Falls. #lakerotoiti #nelsonlakesnationalpark #whiskyfalls #tripsandtransfers #backyourownbackyard #backtoyourroots #outandaboutnz
View fullsize #Whiskyfalls
View fullsize #southislandrobin. Wirhout a tele lens.
View fullsize I had the pleasure of transferring a lovely adventurous couple to the St James walkway. They are not only walking the TeAraroa trail but they say they are the first deaf couple to do so. I really admire them. After coffee and cookies at the west end
View fullsize #florahut
View fullsize #artsanaloliveoil, #neudorfolives
View fullsize Our secret spot for 360 views to the mountains of Kahurangi and the sea in the bay.
View fullsize Touring around the Tasman region

Read what others say about our services and why we are not just a shuttle.

“Brilliant service! Jennifer was so friendly and helpful. Would definitely use again and highly recommend. Thank you!”
— Rachel T. Auckland.
“An awesome company with good old fashion service. Great communications with lots of detail, and even checked our tramping experience for the Nelson Lakes winter trip we had planned.

Drivers were fantastic, stopped for gas on the way and also provided hot drinks/snacks at the end of the trip, which was very welcome for tired trampers.

Thanks Trips and Transfers - see you again!”
— David W Auckland
“At the end of a big walk, it’s always good to get back to a few creature comforts like a hot shower and non freeze-dried food! So, having a reliable shuttle operation organised, to get you there quickly, is more than a little useful. Jennifer exceeded all expectations: helpful also in the planning stage in advising around her back yard and coordinating with other groups. And when she arrived with fresh coffee and cookies for the weary trampers...😳😳😁. Such a nice an unexpected touch. Highly recommended service 👍👍👍”
— Olaf J. Wellington

Day Trips and Experiences

Luxury small group tour vehicle.
Hiace interior
Trips & Transfers has a vehicle to suit your needs and destinations. From track transfers to luxury lodges. Heading to Maruia River Retreat or Owen River Lodge? We'll take the work out of getting there
Luxury Lodge transport for small groups
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Trips & Transfers has a vehicle to suit your needs and destinations. From track transfers to luxury lodges.
IMG_20220217_180038_resized_20220627_112440292.jpg
Trips & Transfers has a vehicle to suit your needs and destinations. From track transfers to luxury lodges.
Shuttle vehicle for trips to tracks and off the beaten track tours
Qualmark Silver Award Logo Stacked.jpg

Let us help you discover the Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough regions during a private small group tour. Taste some of the best wines of New Zealand or experience a fully catered gourmet tour, visit Artisans and see breathtaking scenery during a walk in the Abel Tasman or the Nelson Lakes National Park. Soar high in a helicopter for a birds eye view of majestic scenery or for a romantic lunch on a mountain top. All this and more! The world is on our doorstep.

All our tours start and end in Nelson or St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes unless otherwise requested.

Tailor made tours on request.

Jennifer’s 30+ years of experience in designing Corporate Incentive Programmes, Business Events and leading Group tours means the discerning traveller is in professional hands.

Abel Tasman watertaxi, guided tour, wining and dining

Water, Wings, Wine & Dine

Nelson /Tasman

Nature’s Best Experiences in Tasman

The ultimate experience includes a thrilling water taxi ride into the Abel Tasman National Park, an amazing scenic flight over Kahurangi National Park, wine-tasting and a gourmet dinner in one of the regions best restaurants…

Nelson guided tour artists, food, drinks, artisans

Artisans of Nelson

Experience the Great Taste

Wineries, Craft Brewers and Artisans.

Relax, enjoy the scenic country roads and visit Nelson/Tasman’s boutique vineyards, craft breweries, fine food producers and talented artisans of arts and crafts …

wine tour Nelson, Marlborough

Marlborough for FUN

Wine and Food Marlborough

Marlborough is on our doorstep and the name is synonymous with award winning Sauvignon Blanc wines. So why not get your friends together and have a FUN day out on a wine tour…

Relaxed walk and hikes private guide

Mindful Hikes

Nelson Lakes & Beyond

Mindful Hikes.

Check out the peaceful surroundings of the Nelson Lakes or the Kahurangi National Park, listen to the birdsong during a guided walk and experience the serenity of nature.

All walks are private, guided, incl. lunch and snacks and transport to and from your accommodation to the track. Enquire about our 1 or multi day programmes.

Customised Aotearoa/ New Zealand Travel

Tailor made Travel with Flexibility to Go as you Please.

  • Milford Sound

    Small Group Personalised Travel

    The Ultimate Road Trip. Guided small group travel with a flexible itinerary around New Zealand

    Our innovative concept allows for the flexibility in planning and destinations that travellers love. Your experienced driver/guide is your very own walking talking travel guide.

  • NZ food & wine tours

    FlexiGo NZ Road Trips

    Love food, wineries, historic pubs, gorgeous gardens or talented artisans, scenery, walks and going off the beaten track? We offer a not so standard Road Trip with a knowledgeable and fun loving driver/guide around the South and/or North Islands of New Zealand.

  • Lupins Tekapo

    See the 'world' in New Zealand

    Your driver / guide has travelled the world, lived overseas and worked in tourism all her life. She’s knows that there is one country in the world that has all the scenic beauty packed into one country… New Zealand.

  • Start Dreaming.

    We’ll help you turn your dreams into reality and we are always up for a challenge! While the ordinary is fine, it’s the extraordinary that gets our creativity flowing and our imagination going. We know New Zealand and love to share our favourite and secret spots with you.

Learn More

Contact us.

For booking or enquiries, feel free to contact me. Call 03-5394896 or 022-6154915 ( WhatsApp/Text). Mobile reception is poor when I am at home so try me on the landline first!

Prepare for the Mountains and Robert Ridge Track in the Nelson Lakes, courtesy of the Mountain safety Council.

Not ready to book yet but want to be kept informed. Click here, like our Facebook page, and get up to date information about our activities, services and special offers.