Short Term/Long Term Stay Advice?

[Canuck]

Not sure exactly whether we'll be landing in Auckland OR Wellington (it's 50/50 atm!) but we'll need to find a hostel/backpacker's for probably a week stay while we find an apartment/living spot. Just wondering if anyone had good/bad experiences or what others did when they landed and didn't have a place to stay! Obviously we want cheap and as a husband/wife probably don't want to be in a room with 12 people.. we're in our early 30's so don't need to be stodgy codgers just yet! Anyone know where to stay that isn't exorbitant??

[MotherBear]

You could have a hunt through Wotif , NZ Budget Accommodation or AA Holiday Accommodation Guide, just as a starter. It's worth noting that even some backpacker places have a few private double rooms if you don't want to be in a dorm. If possible, it's recommended that you look at rooms in person before booking up because they aren't always what they appear to be in the write-ups or pictures.

Anyone got any personal recommendations?

[newzealandunwrapped]

Just replied to your other post re: Auckland or Wellington so had a look at your other posts....

Both Auckland and Wellington both have hostels that are geared more towards long term stayers - either by design, or by chance!

If you are in Auckland you could do a lot worse than stay at Freemans Lodge (I hope I have that right!) : FREEMAN'S Lodge and Apartments - Accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand or Lantana Lodge. They are both owned by the same helpful owners. They also have an apartment they may rent if free but will ask for a longer term commitment. If you go to Lantana Lodge they have a few private rooms - it's still a hostel but not like the massive Base Backpackers - a lot smaller. Lantana have a lovely little room with doors than open out to the (unimpressive, tiny) garden. All shared facilities there though I think.

Wellington have a few hostels geared towards long termers as well but I can't remember the name of them just now. We stayed at Rosemere for a week - Rosemere Backpacker - Wellington's best small hostel for independent travellers. Very much a hostel, but again has private rooms and is very central.

Not sure when you're arriving but off season (August) a week in either would be about $350 NZ if you spoke to them (7 days + is regarded as a 'long term' rent). Contact them directly if you are going to do this.....otherwise book a few nights to get a start and go and see the other hostels.

The link bus in Auckland will get you around most fairly central locations at $1.50 a trip. You'll be able to walk around in Wellington.

[newzealandunwrapped]

And I'd second Mother Bear's notes - best to go and see them before you commit longer term....one of the Wellington 'long term' hostels was cheap because it was a bit 'skanky' - in the words of the manager at the time - people stay here because of the nice mix of folk, and the price.

Unless it's peak season it's easy enough to find a place after your first few nights.
PS : I'm 37 - been backpacking a lot but don't really want the whole backpacking thing when here this time. Partner is 32.