We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Gardens Homestay Bed and Breakfast was built in 1892 and lovingly restored during the 1990s. Your hosts are Fly by Wire Ride inventor Neil Harrap and his wife Sally Guinness. The elegant facade features stained glass, iron lacework verandah and bay windows. We're located in historic Thorndon, five minutes walk to Parliament and downtown Wellington. We're two minutes walk to the Botanic Gardens and many cafes, restaurants and specialty shops on historic Tinakori Road. Bird Sanctuary Zealandia is located three minutes drive away, a paradise for birdwatchers. 24 Hour parking provided at the door. We have one suite only and take one party of guests at a time so as to ensure the best of attention. Read our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our guests have to say.
Gardens home stay is perfectly placed for exploring lovely Wellington on foot. The beautiful botanic gardens are just across the road and the city centre is an easy walk. We were able to leave our car and spend two full days in the city without parking issues. Gardens also has several restaurants within 5 minutes walk, we would recommend the Italian “Cosa Nostra” in particular. As a B and B, however, we found Gardens only average. The bed was not particularly comfortable and although we had lots of room some comforts were missing. For example there was no kettle/ coffee making available to guests. I suppose we could have asked to use the family kitchen but it did not seem appropriate. We were asked what time we would like breakfast but when, on a Sunday, we suggested 9, we were told this was too late as the host liked to go to a produce market early on Sunday morning. Things just didn’t seem as guest centred as we are used to. This is not a terrible choice, it just didn’t suit us.…
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Neil Harrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 20 Feb 2020
Wow, after 96 excellent and 4 very good reviews we have our first three star review! Curiously, we always ask our guests if they slept well and many have commented on how comfortable they find the Queen bed. They made no negative comment but I guess we can't please everyone. We usually offer tea, coffee and drinks to every guest, however, we might have been remiss with this couple. We wish they had asked as we always try to please our guests in any way that we can and of course, the English love their tea! They asked if there was a laundry they could use, but to be helpful, I washed, dried and folded their large load of clothes. No payment was asked for, none was offered. In conversation Mark told me that in total he'd written over 400 reviews and I wondered at the time if we were in the company of a serial critic! Looking back, perhaps we could have been more patient listening to his many stories. At no time throughout their stay was there was any sign of dissatisfaction expressed on their part. In fact, the kisses on both cheeks on departure suggested to us that they had enjoyed their stay.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I would recommend Gardens Homestay for anyone who would like to stay in Wellington. We stayed here Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. This was our first time away from home in years, and Neil made us feel like part of the family. Neil was helpful before we even got to Wellington. Having never traveled to New Zealand, I had a ton of questions and Neil took the time to answer each email that I sent promptly. When we got there, my husband was exhausted from driving on the winding roads, and Neil offered to park our car (just on the other side of the street), but we gladly accepted. In our honor, Neil even put up an American flag! There were six of us traveling together, my husband and I, and our teenage daughters stayed at Gardens Homestay and our friends stayed down the street. Neil invited our friends to have Christmas breakfast with us at no charge. Neil even had a present for us under the tree on Christmas morning. Our room was large and clean and breakfast was healthy and tasty. Couldn't ask for more from a B&B. Not sure if we will ever get back to Wellington, but if we do, there is no question regarding where we would stay - Gardens Homestay!…
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 9 Feb 2020
What a pleasure to have Janice, Bill and their daughters stay over Christmas! A lovely family and it was great to have them here over Christmas, along with our daughter and her partner who were also visiting. Bill noticed the faded condition of our American flag and as a complete surprise we received a new, stitched US flag in the mail some weeks later, along with a kind note! That was totally unexpected and a very generous gift. I certainly hope our paths cross again, it was a wonderful visit from a lovely family. Sally and Neil Gardens Homestay Wellington NZ
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had a lovely stay with Neil and Sally, I had been travelling for the last 4 weeks and staying in someones home made it lovely to slow down and chill out a bit, the addition of the family cat was cool too. Everything you might need is in walking distance and easy to find and if you just want to chill by the pool with a glass of something the views are beautiful. Great breakfast and very accommodating couple, would be happy to stay with them again.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 9 Mar 2019
We really enjoyed Heidi's stay and our cat Rocky just fell in love with her! Rocky spent all the time that he could with Heidi and she responded with kindness. If you come by this way again, Heidi, please come and visit! Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lovely place to stay with thoughtful and kind hosts, including a lovely cat! Beautiful suite in a restored Victorian villa, close to the city centre and transport options. Highly recommended, especially for a solo traveller.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 11 Oct 2018
Thank you Fiona! It was a pleasure to have you stay and we're pleased to have such a kind review. We're also pleased that your trip included all the attractions of Wellington, including the World of Wearable Arts and Zealandia. We look forward to hosting you again in the future! Sally and Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The best kept little secret in central Wellington! Location very handy to CBD and Botanic Gardens and a few steps away from lovely cafes, restaurants and shopping. Neil and Sally are consummate hosts, nothing was ever a problem and the suite was luxurious! Thank you for looking after us and turning on the electric blanket! :)
Read more
Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 22 Apr 2018
Thank you for the praise! We're fortunate with our central location being so close to all the main points of interest, it makes visiting Wellington so much easier. We do all we can to make guests comfortable and everyone loves to climb into a warm bed on a cold night! Sally and Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This historic home is ideally situated and has been thoughtfully restored and renovated. The hosts are kind and helpful. The accommodation has two separate (connected) bedrooms and a balcony giving a great outlook down to the city. Staying here was a special experience and I’d be keen to go back again.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 19 Apr 2018
It's always lovely to receive a positive review, not that we've ever received a bad one! Thank you for the kind words, we'll keep aiming for the best experience that we can offer our guests. Sally and Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is the perfect place to stay in Wellington. A beautiful heritage home in an excellent location. An easy stroll into central Wellington and you can take the cable car back. Plenty of restaurants locally and Sally and Neil are the perfect hosts.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 11 Apr 2018
Thank you Christine! A short, sweet review and much appreciated! We enjoyed your stay and I hope our paths cross again someday. Sincerely, Sally and Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are not many ways our experience at the Gardens Homestay could have been better, and if there are I don't know them. Neil and his family are extremely hospitable and also incredibly interesting people themselves. My parents and I stayed with them for 4 nights and enjoyed every day. The house is extremely clean and comfortable (and has a new paint job!), breakfast is delicious, and Neil and family became fast friends. I hope to meet them again sometime!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2017
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 27 Dec 2017
Thank you for the very kind review, Ben! We really enjoyed the company of Ben and his parents. Such an interesting family and their four day stay went by so fast! The painters were working for two of the days but the family didn't mind the minor interruption and we're all pleased with the finished work. Thank you again for choosing to stay with us. We find that TripAdvisor sends us the very best guests; discerning people and it's always an enjoyable experience for Sally and myself.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I had an all-too-brief 2-night stay at Gardens Homestay on October 14-15. Neil was very responsive and gracious during the booking process (done via email), and provided such a warm welcome - even including having the US flag flying on the front of the house to greet us - nice touch, which I believe he does for all his international guests. The house and property itself are beautiful - Neil shared his "before and after" album with us, and the restoration job and other improvements he has made are stunning and impeccably tasteful. Our room was excellent - very spacious and comfortable, beautifully furnished, wonderful big comfy bed. But what set this B&B apart was the small personal touches. When we returned to our room in the evening, we would find a pitcher of fresh water had been left, and the electric blanket had been turned on so we could climb into a toasty warm bed. Neil also proactively made us dinner reservations one evening when we mentioned that we thought we'd go to a certain restaurant, just to ensure we would have a table. He and Sally are wonderful conversationalists, and Sally cooked us a very nice breakfast each day before heading off to work. It is a bit of a climb when you're returning on foot, but all the better to work off some calories from all the great dining in Wellington (and given the city's topography, doing some climbing is inevitable). This isn't the least expensive accommodation you'll find, but it's worth every penny. As they say, "you get what you pay for!" We would absolutely stay here again if we ever get back to Wellington.…
Read more
Date of stay: October 2017
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 7 Dec 2017
Thank you for the wonderful review, Becky and Rick. We're so pleased that you had a lovely visit to Wellington and that your stay with us was five star. Sally was pleased to read that her breakfasts were so highly regarded! We do enjoy our American guests as Sally and I have both lived there, myself for around fifteen years. Discussing US politics and current affairs made this an especially interesting visit for us. Perhaps it's because we only book around fifty stays a year that every guest stay is an interesting opportunity to engage with people from around the world. I hope our paths cross again and if you're in NZ again we'd love to see you. Thank you again for the very gracious review, we're really touched. Sally and Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay this heritage home in a great location. Thorndon is a characterful area with restaurants and easy walking distance to the city centre. We stayed three nights at Gardens Homestay. Neil and Sally welcomed us into their home and we benefited from their advice on experiencing the best of Wellington. Neil provides a very handy map and walking tour of Wellington's attractions. The suite of rooms provided for guests are quiet, large and comfortable. The main bedroom has French doors on to a verandah with lovely views. Neil and Sally take only one booking at any time and are very flexible ensuring very personalised hosting. Highly recommended, a unique property with warm and welcoming hosts.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2017
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 18 Nov 2017
Thank you Sue! We're overwhelmed by this very kind review and appreciate the glowing words. If there's such a thing as the 'perfect review' it would be just like yours! We really enjoyed your stay, we prefer the longer stays as we get to know our guests better and Mal and Sue were lovely. Having only one party at a time means that we can focus on their needs without interruption. So thank you again for the wonderful description of the house and of your stay with us. I hope that we see you again someday. Sally and Neil
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
New ZealandNorth IslandGreater WellingtonWellington
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Other miscellaneous taxes and hotel fees which are not fixed or due at time of booking may be payable at the property at time of stay. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.