Do you pick up and drop off in places other than St Arnaud.

Yes we are happy to do so. Our booking system allows you to add in, as a supplement, the Mt Robert Carpark. We also shuttle people to the start/end of the track points of the Te Araroa trail on SH63, Lake Rotoroa, tracks in the Kahurangi National Park including the Heaphy track, Old Ghost trail, St James Carpark and the Marlborough Sounds. Our most common pick up and drop off points are Nelson, Blenheim and Picton. We also offer transport to remote lodges such as the Owen river Lodge and Maruia River Retreat. Our moar common destinations can be found in www.tripsandtransfers/transfers page. We often pick up in Nelson and Blenheim too. Please request a quote in our Contacts form

Can we eat and drink in the van along the way?

Yes. Trips & Transfers is more than a shuttle. We dont mind people eating or drinking in the van with the exception of a pie and icecream. We know some of the best pies around and make it a point of stopping at these venues where you can eat it. We will stop every couple of hours along the way for a coffee/tea break and also for photos if you wish and usually at a quaint bakery. We aim to support local businesses.

What does Qualmark mean?

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences in New Zealand. Businesses apply to be certified and undergo rigourous checks on their health & safety planning, buisiness operations, sustainable business practices and community involvement. We’re proud to have been awarded Qualmark Silver and are one of few shuttle companies in the area that are.

Q. Do you have scheduled transfers?

No we don’t. We offer bespoke transfers to suit clients timetables and locations in order to provide excellent service and flexibility. We also find that everybodies agenda is different so while we try to combine trips for those wanting to save money we cant guarantee it in advance. Its best to book in early which makes it easier to add people to your transfer if you are wanting to save money. The min. fare has to be met by the 1-4 persons.

Heaphy Track & West Coast Transport FAQs

Q: Do you provide shuttle transport to both ends of the Heaphy Track?

A: Yes. Trips & Transfers provides bespoke charter transport connecting Nelson, Motueka, and the Nelson Lakes region to both Heaphy Track ends: Brown Hut (Golden Bay) and Kōhaihai (West Coast/Karamea).

Q: How do we get back to Nelson from the Kōhaihai (Karamea) end of the track?

A: We specialise in West Coast pickups. We can meet your hiking or biking group directly at the Kōhaihai river mouth track end and transport you safely back to Westport, Nelson Airport, or your accommodation in the Nelson Tasman region.

Q. Do you organise accommodation before and after the Heaphy Track?

A. Yes we have a unique package listed under West Coast Hike & Revive that offers accommodation & a BBQ dinner before you start the hike and after the hike. These can be booked solely or together as a package including the shuttle service and is great for small groups from 6persons to 11persons. Talk to us if there are more as we have access to other vehicles.

Q: Do you offer private charters for large tramping groups?

A: Yes. We operate comfortable, modern minibuses that are perfect for tramping clubs, families, and independent groups. Booking a private charter allows you to set your own pickup times to seamlessly match your flight arrivals or track itinerary.

Q: What other West Coast tracks and destinations do you service beyond Nelson Lakes?

A: In addition to the Heaphy Track and Nelson Lakes National Park (Travers-Sabine and Lake Angelus), our "& Beyond" service covers transport to the Wangapeka track, Ghost Road, Paparoa Track, Westport, Karamea, Punakaiki. We can also assist with getting you to Greymouth to catch the TranzAlpine Train.

Q: Can you transport mountain bikes during the Heaphy Track biking season?

A: Yes. Our custom transport setups are fully equipped to safely carry mountain bikes, riders, and heavy tramping packs. We regularly service mountain bikers tackling the trail during the official winter riding season (1 May – 30 November).

How much deposit do we pay and when do we pay the balance?

The minimum deposit is $50.00 and this non refundable to cover administration costs. We may require a higher deposit depending on your booking. For our shuttle service the final balance is due 7 days prior to your first transfer. Day trips and tours have different terms. Please see our document in the footer of the website to review all our Terms & Conditions.

How do I place a review of your company?

We love reviews! Thank you so much for commenting on our service. If you think we could improve please tell us first and give us an opportunity to do so! Otherwise tell your friends and spread the word. As a new business we need your help so follow the link(s) to place a FB review and/ or on Google and TripAdvisor. We aim to always receive 5 star reviews.

How often do you stop ?

We know that trampers are keen to get to the start of the track as soon as possible so we time our stops to suit the clients. Onn longer journeys ( ie Kohaihai to Nelson, Punakaiki to Nelson and Wangapeka to Nelsonour stops take into account the regulations set out by NZTA for a professional driver’s hours and rest times. As our background is in tour guiding we know that long journeys need to broken up. You can also count on some home baking/tea & coffee when wee pick you up from the track or if you are coming off a multiday hike and being picked up for a transfer to your accommodation outside of the Nelson Lakes region.

How long has Trips & Transfers been operating? I have needed transport to St Arnaud and hadn’t heard of you.

Jennifer has been tour guiding and driving international guests around New Zealand for the past 15 years. Before that she was guiding throughout Europe. Covid changed her world so in November 2020 she set up Trips & Transfers ~Nelson Lakes and Beyond to help trampers to get around our awesome backyard and to give visitors an off the beaten track experience through her not so standard tours.

What is your cancellation policy? And what if our flight into Nelson/Blenheim is delayed.

Please take a look at the document in the footer of the website. With delays beyond your control we have to look at it on a case by case basis as it will depend on the wait time, other transfers and location.

Why do the transfers cost so much?

We have to factor in driver’s hours, insurance, DoC concessions, NZTA permits, fuel and vehicle maintenance. Your transfer is also bespoke and privatised with stops, where needed, along the way. The other thing we are known for is our flexibility, meaning that where possible we will adapt our pick up time to suit you. Ever come off a track and had to wait hours for your pick up?. The rate is a return to base rate because we don’t operate on a schedule. You could just hop on and stay on if you wanted to. But in that case chat with us because we are then happy to make it a day tour ( supplement may apply for time). The rate for a transfer is the same for 1-4 persons so if there are only 2 of you and you want to share your ride on a transfer you are welcome to do so. You could try posting your ride on https://www.shareyourride.net/carpool/New+Zealand/

Do you offer discounts ?

Yes, DoC volunteers working in the Nelson Lakes as hut wardens and members of FMC receive discounts. However we must be advised at time of booking. This applies to transfers only.

Do you provide drinking water on longer trips?

Trips & Transfers will carry drinking water in a large container with them on longer trips so you can refill your bottle. This is our way of contributing to sustainability

Why do you have so many Kea on your website?

Jennifer loves the Kea and feels a little bit like one, other than that she can’t fly! Somewhat cheeky, inquisitive and loves to have fun! Kea live in the Nelson Lakes area, just like Jennifer. Trips & Transfers has partnered with the Kea Conservation Trust to support the work they do. From every booking you make, between $5.00 & $10.00 will be donated to the trust.

Didnt find the answer to a question? No worries. Just email me @ kiaora@tripsandtransfers.co.nz.