City Garden Lodge

Just 20 minutes outside the busy center of Auckland lies the little suburban village Parnell, a upperclass town with large victorian wooden buildings an almost a coutryside feeling. Just around the corner of the main street is the great hostel, housed in a huge wooden villa with a nice garden, porch, a big living room, great kitchen with lots of storage space and very friendy and helpful owners. The hostel and it's guests breath a cousy, laid back atmosphere. In summer nights it's great to hang out on the porch or in the front garden. Facilities are all great, although I've heard that there's hardly any heating in Winter. If you don't want to be in the party hostels in downtown Auckland, but still want to be not more than 20 minutes walkig away from the center, this is the place. Also it's close to The Domain, where you can do some nice walks.

The City Garden Lodge Backpackers is located a short walk from Auckland's CBD. It is located in the extremely quiet and beautiful suburb of Parnell. I stayed here for one night and it was a refreshing start to my New Zealand trip. I was impressed.

I highly recommend this hostel. It was quiet, clean, and the staff was extremely helpful. There's an internet connection in the main living room and a fully equipped kitchen. Of course, you have to supply your own food.

The shuttle bus from Auckland International Airport stops right in front of the hostel, but costs $25 dollars one way. The price is reduced if you can get another person to come with you. Even if you cannot get someone to share the cost, it is still a convenient way to get to or from the airport and is a lot cheaper than calling a cab.

I really enjoyed my stay and I would stay again if I ever passed through on another trip.