Nathan is truly the host with the most. He is a massage therapist who makes his own jams and honey and just absolutely is the perfect anecdote to a LONG plane ride, as he pampers guests or leaves them to their peace as the guests wish. He and his very kind partner, Tim, have a hot tub on the facility and the garden (Nathan was a landscaper in his past life too!) is utterly gorgeous and full of doves. The property is in a beautiful location near the water and a secluded and quiet park. I was traveling alone to see my daughter in Wanaka and tour the South Islands with her, so I did not have big aspirations of touring Auckland like mad and was very content and happy in Dovecote’s sweet, pretty area. The hosts are wonderful cooks. There’s a great claw foot tub. I mean, if you want to unwind, this is the place for you. Tim and Nathan will even fetch you from the airport and bring you back. They’re just lovely.

I personally liked everything. But if you wanted to rush about seeing everything in Auckland, the location is not super central for that. To me that was part of the charm.

Nathan and Tim made us feel instantly welcome and treated us like old friends. Nathan went out of his way to cater to us, including whipping up a superb meal for our own guests and our special diets. Our chats were informative and interesting. The home is full of creative energy, from large scale chutney-bottling to lovely, cozy decor and textile art. We loved sitting outside amidst abundant gardens designed with joy and signature Kiwi quirkiness. It was like visiting my grandmother's house a long time ago, but with a private chef. An indoor upstairs lounge afforded lots of privacy. The hot tub was an unexpected treat, as were the newborn kittens. We hope we can return soon.

The bedrooms are all upstairs. I twisted my knee before we arrived so negotiating them was a bit of work.

Loved that this is a functional dovecote with gorgeous, pure white doves sunning on the roof in the late afternoon. Just magical. A close walk to the ocean. Nathan and Tim were great hosts. The cats were also very sweet!

Maybe a touch of protein with breakfast would have helped. It was a lot of sugar! But this might be a cultural thing since we are not kiwis.

Best stay you could ask for 10/10! . The hosts Nathan and Tim encouraged me to relax and take a soak in their beautiful claw foot tub while I waited for my boyfriend. They even gave me bath salts. They provide gorgeous goodie bags that supports the brand forest and bird. The bed was comfortable and cosy and the breakfast was 5 stars with home made preserves, muesli and bread. We ate like kings. They invited us to their local market where they sell their wares. We will be back for sure! Thanks guys Xx

Nathan is warm and welcoming. He is very knowledgeable about the area and his jams and teas were wonderful! The grounds of the house were lovely with a beautiful magnolia tree blooming right outside my window!

Nathan and Tim are amazing, the house is cozy and there is a family atmosphere. I wish I could have stayed longer.

The bathroom is shared but well advertised before booking, and the couple I met there was super respectful and nice.

Location was lovely, close but away from the bustle of the city. Hosts were friendly and welcoming, very invested in their home and to keep making it better. The preserves at breakfast were amazing!

Location was perfect for our stay. Friendly and considerate staff easy to communicate with. Very interesting projects and absolutely amazing breakfast food and service. Perfectly presented food and a lovely selection. Very obliging hosts.

Nothing

The breakfast was exceptional - homemade bread, granola and preserves. Vast selection of teas or coffee. There are many walks in the parks and along the coast which are very easily accessible from the house. Very quiet setting, beautiful gardens, delicious dinner available with the hosts by arrangement.

I booked it in the plane because my other hostel didn't work out at the end. So short notice and was handled really friendly and welcoming. No problems with check-in, even met a cute cat