As someone who doesn't frequent hostels much, I was pleasantly surprised & would recommend/return here again! Good vibes - I met some wonderful people from all over the world Excellent location - close to Ponsonby which has lots of shops and cafes. Woolworths within for groceries. 30 minute walk into the city. Western Park close-by. Large communal kitchen & lounge homely -everything within. I was in the building with kitchen, there are 2 separate buildings within hostel (one with kitchen and lounge). Basically, you keep items in bag with your name and details for fridge and cupboard use (good idea and big focus on recycling in kitchen) Outdoor garden serene A lot of people extending stay/returning which is always a good sign! Wifi excellent throughout stay Great laundry facilities - cash only - $6. Dryer or use of outdoor washing line Gentleman in charge kind when needing to cut stay short

Check in poor. Office hours need changed. They are currently 8-12pm and 2-7pm. I arrived early at 1.15pm and wasn't able to check in to 2.15pm (check in at 2pm) despite alerting of my arrival. Luckily, some kind residents opened the door & allowed me in to sit in lounge to wait. A few others had the same issue and had to wait outside. Check in very rushed & not made to feel overly welcome Fan not working in room (B)- I did report to housekeeping team so hopefully fixed now. The room could get very warm @ night. Window open but on main road & noisy. Bring earplugs. Luggage room - learnt code from resident (not given on check in). Would have preferred individual locker. Stairs could be an issue if large suitcases. No group events when staying

Very clean hostel setting. Common area kitchen kept very clean and well equipped with 4 hobs, 2 sinks, instant boiling water, filtered cold water and two very large reach in refrigerators. Linens and towels clean and changed upon request. Shared bathrooms are a bit dated but very clean and done every day. Staff was most accommodating and helpful. Common areas were comfortable and clean. Property feels very secure and safe. Western Park is directly behind The Verandahs back porches which also overlook downtown Auckland. Good access to public bus transit. Many local restaurants, bars, and large grocery store in easy walking distance.

This was my first time staying at a hostel and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, the shared facilities were great and spacious (kitchen, lounge room, laundry, outdoor area) and the rooms themselves were great in terms of people per room - unlike normal hostels which have 8+ people per room, this one has 3-4 people per room, making it much more comfortable.

Mattresses were a bit small and not the most comfy, and one of the shower/toilet rooms weren’t working in my block. However, these points are minor and did not put a damper on my experience staying here.

The place is huge, beautiful, tidy, and has everything anyone would need. All the staff were very kind and helpful. The rooms are well-organized and the beds comfy, clean, and nice. There are lots of clean and well-equipped bathrooms, which is very important in a hostel. I never had to wait for one to become available. I stayed a whole week and didn't regret choosing Verandahs to be my first home in Auckland.

I just missed having a locker in the room to lock up valuable belongings. But to be honest, in the end, it wasn't a problem whatsoever, since I never felt unsafe. Just one negative thing happened to me. Someone stole a couple of eggs I left in the pantry labeled with my name :') But that's not the hostel's fault.

Great location just off Ponsbony Road and next to Western Park, the accommodation surprisingly quiet. Loved the house, an old villa-type with wooden beams in the room and some brick walls. We stayed in an ensuite room which was quite big for NZ standards (perks of old houses). The bed was very comfy to sleep in. We only stayed 1 night for an event but had a look at the communal areas. Kitchen and living room are big and very clean, the accommodation has a lovely garden with a little veggie patch, and the people chilling out were very friendly. Peaking through the window into the dorms, they looked just as great, regular beds (no bunks), lots of space. Wish we could've stayed for a longer time, but we'll definitely come back to Verandah next time we need to stay in the city

The only teeny tiny nuisance was the automatic motion light in the bathroom as the bathroom had a window into the bedroom and the light stayed on for ages (great for showering but not when you're trying to sleep and it's lighting up the bedroom :-D )

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Verandahs Parkside Lodge. Right from check-in we were made to feel welcome. The buildings have been beautifully restored and feel fresh and clean. Lots of small features that make the accommodation feel luxe. Our room was a great size and spotless. Very comfortable bed. Various spaces to unwind. On a rainy Auckland day we felt happy to go back and relax in a nice environment. Kitchen area was clean and well stocked.

The office closes between 12 and 2 which is a bit awkward. The kitchen isn't massive but it's well and truly got everything you'd want.

Rooms were sparkling clean and simple. Common areas where well managed and stocked. The location was walking distance to much of the cool stuff around Auckland - but not a short walk. The grounds are lovely and proximity to Western park is a big bonus! The manager was so helpful and friendly. Made me feel right at home.

Rooms and bathrooms were simple to the point of being spare - a few more surfaces to set your things on or decorations would have warmed it up. But these are such small things. Loved it and would definitely return.

Cosy hostel in a rustic terraced house. Everything clean, comfortable bed, spacious and well equipped kitchen, and comfy common spaces. Plus a nice garden in the back, overlooking the West Park, and with a view at the Sky Tower. Great location (close to Karangahape Road with bars, food joints, and small shops), some 15 mins walking distance to the CBD, and 30 mins by foot to the Wharf. Also easily accessible by bus. Efficient and helpful staff. In short, everything was great. :)

Kitchen is in a separate building, so I had to dash through the cold autumn mornings to brew a morning mug of tea. But that's nitpicking, really. Everything was great.

The location is great, close to all you need on Ponsonby and K'Road, and eith lots of public transport. A 15 min walk takes you to the centre of the city too. The staff were exceptionally helpful and the shared facilties were well-kept and more than adequate for the number of guests. The garden was a lovely space to relax and the multiple verandahs and balconies were also great to watch the sunset from.

Heavy suitcases could be a struggle if you're up- or downstairs.

Amazing hostel, great location within walking distance to the CBD and overlooking a pretty park. Really helpful and welcoming staff. It is a super clean hostel, the kitchen is huge and very well-equipped. Good vibes as most people here are either starting or ending their trip in NZ – really easy to get to know people. It's not a party hostel but it's definitely a social one. Ended up extending my stay for 2 more weeks! Would 100% recommend to others :)

The hostel is spread out over 2 buildings, so your room might be in a separate building to the kitchen/lounge – not a big deal though!