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 it tougher. The front desk was relatively helpful in booking a rental car and suggesting things, but the crowd there was very clicky. We are american and some of the long term residents were rude to us (based solely on our nationality). This is the only hostel I visited in New Zealand that I would not stay at again.

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 where I could feel the breeze and listen to the rain.

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, and it was a very SMALL and run down room. I could have paid just a bit more in some spots for a much nicer room. The staff was great, the other guests were great, but it was difficult to negotiate the stairs to my room with heavy bags (I know--I had too much stuff....partly since I was bringing things over to NZ for my daughter who has moved there), and the room was threadbare and the carpets are very run down. The garden in the back is pleasant, and it's easy to walk up to Posonby Road for eating and wandering....but I wouldn't stay there again. I guess it depends what you're looking for, but I can't imagine that it looked the way it does now with the nice reviews it received a few years ago.

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 super market and the Link bus which will take you all over the city.