We stayed here for two nights, a family of four with two small girls. The place itself is lovely, a brownstone villa, right in the middle of Ponsonby, which is absolutely my favorite neighborhood in Auckland. The staff was helpful and friendly. The room, though small, was comfortable. Our main complaint was the smoking. Even though smoking was limited to... More

We have stayed at the Brown Kiwi on and off for over two months and it has been a pleasure to stay there. There is a little gem of a room called The Loft which suited my partner and I down to the ground. It costs $23 and is basically a hobbit hole sized room above reception. The hostel is... More

We found this backpackers through our guidebook...lucky us! Good location near Ponsonby St. We had a private room outside. Clean and quiet. Very well equiped kitchen. All the staff was nice and the guy in charge these days helped us to find a very good deal for the car rental. (Plus, there is cute cat)

This was our first stop on our traveling adventure and after a 25 hour flight was just what we needed! The bedroom was clean and tidy and the bed super comfy! We had a quirky privet room outside that was full of character! In fact the whole place was! The bathrooms were nice and clean and it wasn't even a... More

My wife,son and girlfriend and myself stayed at the Brown Kiwi on two occasions jan and feb 2013. We all found the hostel comfortable to stay in,clean comfortable beds and bathrooms, well equiped kitchens. The location in Ponsonby is two mins from numerous good cafe s and restaurants, and all types of shops. Auckland city centre/hrbour is 30 mins pleasant... More

We chose this place based on the location and recommendation from Lonely Planet and were not disappointed. First of all we've got a lower price since we were staying only one night. The staff and other guests were nice and we have spent a really good evening there. In the room it was clean and quiet.

This was definitely one of my favourite hostels, the staff and long term residents have created a laid back, welcoming and homely environment with a keynote of mutual respect among the guests. Conversation abounds in the cosy kitchen and the well tended and stocked garden, which is a perfect place to chill in the sunshine or socialise.There was a girls... More

Do stay there, don't moan, chil out, play along, read, drink, write, do whatever. You will be left to your own devices or helped if you like. A fine example of the Kiwi culture of come on in! I stayed for several nights on different occasions and found exactly the same each time. Lone traveller, Richard from London x

The German guy who runs the place is very nice and gives lots of info about Auckland. The kitchen, toilets and TV room are also good. We stayed in the bottom double room in the garden (there are two) which had a three person bunk bed. Both mattresses were sagged and not very comfortable. The room also smelled bad. The... More