25 St George's Bay Road, Parnell Bus Link, 635, 645, 655, 965, 966 Tel (09) 302 0880 Websitewww.citygardenlodge.co.nz
BUG Review
This great old mansion crowned with finials was originally built for the Queen of Tonga as her embassy 120 years ago. Today, it’s a lodge full of character and charm. A lovely lounge features high ceilings, an enormous fireplace, big comfy seats and heaps of books, board games and puzzles. Dorms are roomy, and there are lots of intact period details around the house, which rambles with little hallways and sitting areas. Out front, there’s a big brick patio with barbecue and picnic tables, and a front lawn that doubles as a yoga centre. City Garden Lodge is close to the shops and cafes of Parnell Road, but feels a world away from the city centre. The owner says he gets quite a few “refugees” from the city, looking for a slice of tranquillity.
Price Dorm bed $24-$25 ($20-$22 BBH) Single room $50 ($47 BBH) Double room $64 ($58 BBH) Twin room $54-$64 ($48-$58 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Big old house with nice outdoor area and helpful owner
Cons:
Could maybe do with more showers
eoindickson
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(3)
I really like this place. The owner is friendly, patient and helpful. The house looks lovely and has a nice sheltered outdoor area. The reading room is big and comfortable and the dorms are roomy and clean. Parnell is a nice area, good cafes and an outstanding fish and chip takeaway.
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 346)
EXCELLENT... Brilliant atmosphere loads of delux bread, April 23, 2006
Pros:
Top atmosphere, cat lots free food, bread, gear, huge rooms
Cons:
Only allowed to stay a week . Walk up hill
Combo The Cat
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This is the best atmosphered hostel in New Zealand, Repeatidly returned 20 min wlak into town... comming back up hill.Nice management though upset can't stay long any given time...Biggest dorm rooms ever...Like 3 times the size...Nice kitchen with loads of free foods and sauces inc the bread delivery each day... Not crappy cheapo brea... Talking biabatta, crossants, (all left over from mangers mates bakery. Nice art/rich area. Hence nice bread...Hostel cat friendly. No TV which is actually good... games get played and all mix...Got a good spare stuff junk corner... great for picking up stuff backpackers leave as access weight from coats to camping geer... get in their fast... Hammock. Lovely house. garden, chill out tent.Top atmosphere... go here... worth the walk up the hill and good bus service...PS check out the chinese supermarket 2/3 way into town opposite the big car mark car park... 1/3 off price of supermarket ie chicken $9/kilo
6 of
9 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11779)
Only fair - cold place, cold people, August 22, 2005
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n/a
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Anonymous
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Your typical backpackers - dont stay here if its your first time in New Zealand and your after a very long flight! Place clean but no character. A few longtermers from the local islands who are very cliquy and rude. No TV and everyone just sits around and reads....yawn...
2 of
3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11780)
Great homely place to stay!!, March 9, 2005
Reviewer:
Kaz
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n/a
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Imported Review
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Highly recommended! Would stay there again if given the chance! I stayed in a single room which was fantastic, but the shared and dorm facilities looked good too. Friendly and helpful staff-i loved the free bread and cakes that arrived each day!!! Very easy to meet people. Only a shuttle bus away from the airport ($22), and a link bus ride (10 mins) into the city centre.
3 of
5 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11781)
A place of character, warmth and charm, December 12, 2004
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Anonymous
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Centrally located just off Parnell, a community with diverse stores, restaurants and loads of convenience stores. The Link bus was just 10 minutes away from downtown.Enjoyed the old world charm of an historic house and beautiful wood banisters and doors. Clean bathrooms and kitchens. The kitchen was cleaned every day and there was lots of storage for food.It was easy to meet people and have interesting conversations. Highly recommended.
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4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11782)
Fantastic location, March 11, 2004
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Anonymous
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(4)
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Great backpackers in a fantastic location. Walking distance to Parnell Rd and the Link bus which runs 7 days a week.Good kitchen with lots of facilities.Clean toilets and showers
6 of
6 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11783)
A bit run down but comfortable, November 11, 2002
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Anonymous
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A bit run down, rudimentary furnishings but with the essentialequipment. Pleasant management.
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6 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11784)
one of the best backpakers places I have been in, September 30, 2002
Reviewer:
amirb
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One of the best backpakers places I have been in , in NZ.The place is quite and nice, very clean and well taken care of. Mannaged by a very nice couple, which are very helpfull and will guide you through your first days in NZ.
