Oaklands Lodge

The hostel itself was clean and cozy, with a nice location and good people around. I really liked it when I stayed a few weeks ago. But management is spoiling the atmosphere. Sometimes we're temporarily barred from using the kitchen because somebody else hasn't washed their dishes. They can treat you like a child instead of a customer.

I liked that it was close to the city centre without being right in the middle of it. Shops and cafes are easy to walk to, there's a quaint little bookstore and several great kebab places, and Mt. Eden is about a ten-minute walk away. The 360-degree views of the city from the top are outstanding. The hostel is in an old Victorian house, so it feels more like staying in someone's home than a typical hostel, while still having everything you need. The rates are reasonable too. There's laundry on site, a great kitchen, a living room to hang out in, and garden space at the back and a small one at the front. It was everything I wanted.

Ian and Brenda are the sweetest, and the hostel itself was lovely. It felt safe and was in a great location. I spent 2 1/2 months in Auckland staying here, and it really became a second home. I couldn't have been happier. Highly, highly recommended.

We first stayed at Oaklands for about a week at the start of our one-year working holiday, then came back at the end of the year. The hostel is good value and not too expensive. The staff are helpful, the common areas inside and out are nice, and the kitchen is big. The dorms and private rooms are nice too, and everything's clean enough. I'd recommend staying here and taking the quick hike up Mt. Eden right next door.