This is a lovely house with a cute little patio. The people at the reception could have been more friendly and ready to answer a few questions. They seem to be more worried about having no trouble than in being nice to their guests, and that had consequences on the atmosphere in the hostel, with people not chatting so much... More

For anyone who is moving to New Zealand, this hostel is the home away from home, Niles, Hennas and Mike go out of their way to make you feel at home and I’d go so far as to say even part of the family. The hostel sleeps about 32 people; there are two 8 bed dorms, one for male and... More

Horrible place. Full of long termers (Germans) who are not friendly to any other travelers which is odd as this is what hostels are for.. They gave us a room with a head height of 3.75 meters....yep....just over 4 foot. Not joking. Its called the 'Loft' and they charged us 48 bucks. Needless to say , we left and i... More

General: typical 'youth guest hostel' with a few long-term guests; lots of German boys & girls in their late teens or early twenties; crowd seemed a bit unfriendly towards more international guests but that can change every week; Rooms: ok, but not more. worn down, 2 rooms are at the back - they are better but also more expensive, would... More

Sweet little hostel, not as modern as some others but had a homly lived in feel. this did not make you feel uncomforatble here but part of the furniture and very relaxed considering its a city hostel. Long termers could be clicky but when an effort was made they proved to be a weath of knowledge, willing to share not... More

We arrived at the Brown Kiwi late at night and didn't have much issue with the late check in. We did have an issue in that our double room was in the backyard, and we had to walk through the courtyard to use the restroom. We have experienced this before, but the weather was a little suspect so it made... More

I can't disagree with the negative comments in the previous post, however, I enjoyed my stay. The place has a friendly vibe, a nice garden, and an ideal Ponsonby location. My boyfriend and I stayed in a second floor double. It was run down, but I appreciated the quiet nights, and a big window at the head of the bed... More

The Brown Kiwi was a friendly place, but a bit worn down these days. I stayed there because of other reviews, and reading about it in Let's Go New Zealand. I wasn't just backpacking, so had more stuff with me than backpackers, and the room was very small. The price was $58 NZ to get a double room to myself,... More

If you're planning to stay in Auckland for a few days make sure you stay at The Brown Kiwi. It's close to the city but far enough away to escape the hoons that drive round Auckland all night! There is a sweet little garden and it's close to all the funky cafes and bars in Ponsonby. Also near to the... More