About Us

Your hosts at Almond House are Paul and Fiona.

“G’day! Paul and I would like to offer you a warm welcome to Almond House – our small and friendly backpackers located close to the centre of Nelson.

Paul is a Kiwi, born and brought up in Christchurch. As a young 20-something, he headed off on his “OE” and worked as a Coach Driver for a tour company which specialized in European Coach Camping tours.

I’m Australian, coming from a small country town called Goulburn (about an hour from Canberra). As a young 20-something, I too headed off overseas and eventually wound up working as a Tour Guide for a tour company which specialized in European Coach Camping tours. Needless to say, this is how Paul and I met! We worked together for four years in Europe before settling down in the small beautiful English village of Rye, East Sussex.

In 2002, we decided to move back “Down Under” and in December of that year, we arrived in Christchurch. We’d always dreamed of owning a little hostel and we also wanted to live in Nelson. At the end of 2006, we moved to Nelson and then discovered Almond House – and so, here we are!

Nearly four years later we love living in Nelson and love running the backpackers! Lonely Planet describes Nelson as “one of NZ’s most liveable cities” – I couldn’t agree more. The climate is great, the town centre is vibrant and there’s just so much to do here – whether you feel like chilling out, shopping, being adventurous, getting creative or exploring the beautiful National Parks – there’s something for everyone in Nelson!

Paul and I hope you enjoy your time in Nelson – come and stay with us at Almond House Backpackers!”