Enchanting waterside stay in a truly unspoilt place...

Richmond, Tasman
$154 avg/night Minimum Stay 1 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Bed & Breakfast

Property Type

Sleep 2

Max Sleeps

Night 1 nights

Min Stay

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.

Read More Expand
  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • MORE

    At Least 80% Lighting From LEDs Beach Towels Books Games Locally-owned & Organized Tours & Activities Smoke-free Property Bulk Dispenser For Toiletries Dryer Eco-friendly Cleaning Products Provided Iron/ironing Board Recycling
  • OUTDOOR

    BBQ Grill(s) Garden Outdoor Furniture
  • INTERNET

    Available In All Rooms: Free WiFi Available In Some Public Areas: Internet Access
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Bicycling Boating Golfing Kayaking Playground
  • ACCESSIBILITY

    If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Smooth Flooring In Public Areas Stair-free Path To Entrance This Property Does Not Have Elevators
  • GUEST SERVICES

    Housekeeping (limited) Laundry Facilities
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Dining Table Highchair Kitchen Laundry Facilities Microwave Playground Refrigerator
  • ACTIVITIES NEARBY

    Birdwatching Cycling Fishing Golfing Hiking/biking Trails Kayaking Motor Boating Mountain Biking Sailing Surfing/body Boarding Swimming Wildlife And Game Walks Windsurfing Winery Tours
  • BEDROOM

    Bed Sheets Heating
  • BATHROOM

    Eco-friendly Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels
  • OUTDOOR SPACE

    Deck Or Patio
  • FOOD AND DRINK

    Cookware/dishes/utensils Dining Table Electric Kettle Kitchen Microwave Refrigerator Spices Stovetop Toaster

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 2

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Richard G.

    Submitted Feb 10, 2026

    Stayed Jan 24, 2026

    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!

  • Dan B.

    Submitted Feb 3, 2026

    Stayed Jan 30, 2026

    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.

  • patrick w.

    Submitted Jan 16, 2026

    Stayed Jan 12, 2026

    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!

  • Emily L.

    Submitted Dec 26, 2025

    Stayed Dec 19, 2025

    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.

  • Jilly R.

    Submitted Apr 25, 2025

    Stayed Apr 22, 2025

    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

  • Fran S.

    Submitted Feb 19, 2025

    Stayed Feb 17, 2025

    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.

  • Vicki H.

    Submitted Dec 6, 2024

    Stayed Nov 29, 2024

    Simon and Clare were so very lovely. Highly recommend

  • Erik O.

    Submitted Apr 20, 2024

    Stayed Apr 2, 2024

    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! ?

  • Paula P.

    Submitted Jan 22, 2024

    Stayed Jan 16, 2024

    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 :)

  • Keith W.

    Submitted Jan 17, 2024

    Stayed Jan 10, 2024

    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.

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$154+
View details