Era and Darryl are sweet, wonderful people who make you feel at home from the first minute. Their house is 15 min. from Tahunanui beach (the best beach in Nelson), where I took kitesurfing lessons. Darryl is a kitesurfer himself and gave me valuable tips, they lent me their bike, gave me a ride into town and offered to collect me at the airport, gave me valuable tips for activities and helped me in more ways than I could ever have expected. The house is small but comfy, you can do your washing, they have a dog and a cat (both very sweet-tempered). This is ideal if you want to go swimming or surfing, and to take trips (e.g. I went to Abel Tasman; the companies doing these trips collect you at a stop near the house). If you arrive or leave by InterCity bus, there's a stop 15 mins away. Various restaurants, bars, and small shops are in walking distance. However, town centre (market) is not quite in walking distance, and buses don't go all that often; however, I could use their bike and with that it's just a 15-min-ride along the lovely coast. Overall, a great experience! -- If you go to Nelson, don't miss Abel Tasman National Park, and try kitesurfing lessons, it's the perfect spot (Kitescool is really good).