Best Hostel? Best Tour Operator? Best Activity? Have your say with TNT's Golden Backpack Awards 2010!

It's that time of year again when the travel and tourism industry of Australia and New Zealand waits to find out what their guests really think. TNT's Golden Backpack Awards are the only awards within the industry that are voted for by the backpackers themselves.

This is the fourth year that TNT's Golden Backpack Awards have been held. In previous years Nomads have won all of the following Golden Backpack awards voted for by bacpackers..

2007 - Nomads Fat Camel, Auckland Wins "Best Hostel in New Zealand" and Highly Commended for "Best Bar in New Zealand"

2007 - Billabong backpackers, Perth - Wins "Best Hostel in Western Australia"

2007 - Nomads Westend, Sydney is Highly Commended for "Best Hostel in NSW"

2007 - Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay Wins "Best Hostel in NSW"

2007 & 2008 - Nomads Melbourne Wins "Best Hostel in Victoria"

2008 & 2009 - Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay is Highly Commended for "Best Hostel in NSW"

2009 - Nomads Byron Bay Wins "Best Hostel in NSW"

Backpackers can vote online this year for their favourite tour company, favourite activity and the best hostel they stayed at in each state of Australia or in New Zealand. Every backpacker who votes is in with a chance of winning two return flights to any destination on the Virgin Blue domestic network. 

Vote for your favourite Nomads Hostel

New legislation came into force today (1st July 2010) for all self drive Fraser Island tours. What does this mean for customers of Nomads Fraser Island Tours?

In short this means that all self drive tours of Fraser Island now have to travel in groups and that a lead vehicle be driven by a qualified tour leader. Nomads have revamped their vehicles to comply with the new legislation, which also includes no side facing seats and no bags to be strapped to the roof.

The  Tag-tour  lead  vehicles  (late  model  Land cruiser  Prado)  are equipped with satellite phone, cable winch, recovery kit and trauma first aid kit.  These lead vehicles will be driven by an appointed guide with a maximum of 7 passengers.

For more detailed information about the legislation and what Nomads have done to ensure we meet the criteria set out please read our first Nomads Fraser Island Tours - NEWSLETTER

Nomads Auckland Rates 4 Plus Qualmark

Nomads Auckland Backpackers Hostel has been given a 4 plus Qualmark rating in their recent official assessment.

Qualmark New Zealand Limited is New Zealand tourism's official quality agency. It licenses professional and trustworthy New Zealand tourism businesses to use the Qualmark 'tourism's official quality mark' to help international and domestic travellers select places to stay, things to do and ways to get around.

Qualmark's star rating assesses a property's facilities, business practices, and service systems relating to customer care on a scale from 1 to 5. Nomads Auckland's 4 Plus rating reflects the high standards in the Nomads group and the diligent efforts by management and staff to maintain safe, clean, and comfortable budget accommodation.

Congratulations to Nomads Auckland manager Justine Brown and her entire team!

The Park Backpackers Lodge found in National Park Tongariro is a Nomads affiliated hostel that has just been added to the Nomads website.

The Park Backpackers Lodge has shared dorm accommodation available as well as a range of top quality private rooms and fantastic facilities onsite. Facilities at The Park include Spiral Bar & Lounge, a large lounge with fireplaces, fully equipped communal kitchen, large courtyard with bbq area and a heated outdoor spa pool perfect after a days skiing.

Being located in Tongariro National Park The Park Backpackers Lodge has stunning mountain views and is a great place to base yourself for local activities and attractions such as the world famous Tongariro Crossing, kayaking on Whakapapa River or skiing and snowboarding.