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.

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.

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!

Second experience staying here, very restful, clean & quiet, great staff, great kitchen, nice "soft" furniture in the lounge | no bunk beds in the dorm room | solid WiFi | great location - Ponsonby is splendid |

My room (#9) faces south, a lot of afternoon sun, room gets warm, ceiling fan would help to circulate the air a little bit, because windows may only be opened a short distance | received the last bed in the room, it's next to the front door, so, you hear it slam shut late at night or early in the morning (earplugs help), it's also next to the door of the room, so when people enter/exit at night, light streams in (eyemask helps) | my room and bed during my first reservation was better |

It’s my second stay; precious was six years ago, and Verandahs still holds its standards, having upgraded some systems (power switches, heating, ..). Each bathroom/toilet cubicle is very large (could do with shelves and more hooks though). My single room was large, with a desk and chair, and a long enough clothes rail and hangers. It is quieter than you’d think, and Ponsonby Park just below is a treasure! Easy checkin and checkout.

Parking is still on a first come first serve basis, and only serves 6 vehicles approx. I got lucky and didn’t move the car, walked to eat out. A great place for visitors on foot or bikes. A suggestion: a couple of wee shelves would be handy in bathrooms, as well as a couple more hooks on wall panels for towels and clothes/gowns.

My second time staying at Verandah's, I wouldn't stay anywhere else! Super friendly and helpful staff, arranged a late-arrival check-in without any issues. The dorm rooms are all single beds (no bunks), bathrooms are very clean, and the kitchen is huge and very well-equipped – genuinely has everything you need! Lovely view over the park from the terrace, great location with plenty of places to eat/drink on Ponsonby Road and a short walk into the CBD. Would absolutely stay again!