Ponsonby Backpackers

Even though the interior and rooms still need some work to be done, this is the place to be in Auckland. It's situated very central, right at Ponsonby Road in a beautiful old building. The garden with BBQ is unbeatable and the owners invest a lot of work each day to improve the place. Living in this hostel feels just like home. The guests are great and the owners a the loveliest people in town!

"Improved" is a relative term. It must have been terrible before because it's still no great shakes. I stayed here for a few months and don't know why. It's freezing during winter — the doors are always open to the wind. It's not very clean. The owner is a very paranoid and angry man, constantly shouting at guests for tiny mistakes, particularly girls. He argues with guests and spends the rest of his time watching people on the many cameras. Even at 5 a.m.! The only camera that doesn't work is the security camera outside, as we found out after a bike-theft. Leaving there was the best move the ten of us long-term residents made! And it's not as nice as in these pictures. On the upside, the current owner is due to move out during winter 2005!

I spent a few weeks here whilst setting myself up in Auckland for a period of a few months. The double room was spacious and clean with plenty of space to put stuff — a real bonus for a lengthier stay. The kitchen was kept spotlessly clean by the owner, and there is cute garden with a number of picnic tables. When the weather is fine, this is great, but there is a lack of dining space indoors if it's raining, as there's just the one table in the kitchen and one in the lounge. The lounge is a decent size with some cable channels on the TV. The ladies' showers were possibly the smallest I have ever seen in a hostel; they were a real negative about the place when you stay for an extended period. Apparently the men's are a bit roomier, though! Overall, a relaxed friendly place in a great location for Ponsonby's main bar and restaurant strip on Ponsonby Road.

I am absolutely amazed at how much the place has improved since my last visit. They did a lot of renovating, so now it's even cleaner and nicer. The staff makes a great effort to make you feel welcome, and see that all your needs are fulfilled as usual. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere, and is pretty good for socializing, etc. It has nice access to the busses, but you can also walk 20 minutes to downtown Auckland. Franklin Road is beautiful during summer with all those trees, too. I would recommend this hostel; it's great value for money.