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Gardens Homestay

11 St Mary Street Thorndon, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
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Traveller (41)
Dining (3)
Pool & Beach (1)

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About

#1 of 8 guest houses in Wellington
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pool
Outdoor pool
Free breakfast
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Romantic
100Reviews5Q+A8Room tips
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JodieMareeH wrote a review Oct 2016
Rockhampton, Australia3 contributions
We had a lengthy holiday to New Zealand and our visit to Sally and Neil's home in Wellington was one of the highlights of the trip for us. Their home is beautiful and in a good location, but it was the great hospitality offered to our family that made this such a special spot to stay. Our children were made to feel really welcome and at home and are still talking about how lovely Neil and Sally were. Neil converted my daughter into a muesli lover, even sharing his special recipe with us, and their recommendations for activities were spot on. We all enjoyed the great breakfasts that were made for us, and sitting with them at night sharing a cup of tea or glass of wine was such a lovely way to finish the day. We were sad to leave but felt that we had made some lovely new
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Date of stay: October 2016
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 20 Oct 2016
Jodie and Trevor's family were among our favourite guests ever and we feel that we have made new friends. Their children are lovely and the stay of three days was a pleasure for Sally and myself. We felt sad at having them leave! Need I say any more?
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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rmb_10 wrote a review Jun 2016
Christchurch, New Zealand26 contributions48 helpful votes
Close to the city, so easy walking to the cit, waterfront and everything Wellington has to offer. Friendly hosts. Very comfortable, clean accomodation, lovely antique furntiure in keeping with the historic villa. We would definitely stay here again when in town!
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Date of stay: June 2016
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 20 Jun 2016
It was nice to receive another positive review bringing our "Very Good" review total to three (our "Excellent" total remains at 69 reviews, and there are no other reviews). Sally and I always enjoy the company of interesting guests, whether around the fire or over breakfast and these guests were no exception. I hope our paths cross again. Neil
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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TheGrants341 wrote a review Mar 2016
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand3 contributions
With a family of four (including our 5 year old twin daughters) in Wellington for a Christmas concert, Gardens Homestay was absolutely perfect for us. The home is a beautiful heritage property, furnished with some lovely antiques and if it was not for the rain we might have enjoyed a dip in the pool. Neil and Sally were fabulous hosts (Neiul even parking my car for me), very gracious and we highly recommend a stay for visitors from out of town.
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Date of stay: December 2015
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 18 Mar 2016
We always enjoy having families stay as our daughter Nina, now 21, lives in Dunedin. The girls were a delight and the conversation, mostly about house restorations, was beyond interesting! Accomplished, worldly guests like these are a pleasure to host.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Steve_Searle67 wrote a review Mar 2016
Chichester, United Kingdom84 contributions31 helpful votes
As the title states, our stay with Neil & Sally was simply delightful. From the moment we arrived until the time we departed we were made to feel truly at home. We received a great guide of Wellington to follow which made our visit to the city much easier and ensured we got to see as much as we could. Neil's recommendation for dinner was also 'spot on' and when we returned later in the evening we found ourselves sat around the kitchen table chatting away over a glass of wine. This was a great end to the day and Neil & Sally were great company. The breakfast was delicious the following morning with Neil & Sally doing all they could to make sure we were well looked after. The room itself was very spacious and very nicely decorated. Everything anyone could need was there and it
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Date of stay: February 2016
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 6 Mar 2016
This s a wonderful review and we're very grateful for the kind words. Being a B&B host means meeting widely traveled people from around the world and Steve and Emma were certainly interesting guests and lovely company We enjoyed their stay as much as they enjoyed being here and only regret that they didn't stay longer with us. Guests like these become friends! Thank you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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CycleCycle360 wrote a review Mar 2016
Boston, Massachusetts2 contributions7 helpful votes
We weren't able to find a hotel in Wellington due to the popularity of the Edinburgh Tattoo, which was performing in Wellington the night we were there. So, we thought we'd try a B & B. We happened upon Gardens Homestay and we both agreed that it was one of the best things we ever did! Neil was a true gentleman and went way above the call of duty in advising us on several issues and also in his help in schlepping our bags from his home to our next stop. We highly recommend Gardens Homestay!
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Date of stay: February 2016
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 3 Mar 2016
I suspect that we've converted this lovely couple from Boston to B&B stayers! We were very pleased to be able to help by delivering our charming guests to their next hotel. As travelers ourselves, Sally and I know that the little things matter so help where we can. Thank you for staying with us!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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bettysmate wrote a review Mar 2016
Eastbourne, United Kingdom86 contributions21 helpful votes
We stayed four nights at Neil and Sally's lovely B&B. We loved it and wished we could have stayed longer. The location was perfect for all the main attractions of this great city. I chose this home through Tripadvisor and was not disappointed. It is right next to the Botanic Gardens lower end where the Rose Garden is, also the walk into the city centre is easy and enjoyable. Neil and Sally were so helpful in telling us places to see and where to eat in the evenings. They even had their own walking tour guide for us. There really is only one drawback if you are not very fit, No. 11, St. Mary Street is part way up a very steep hill. This elevation did not show up on Google Earth ! However, if you are reasonably fit there is no problem and if you have a car you park in front of
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Date of stay: February 2016
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.
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WeeRozzy wrote a review Feb 2016
5 contributions1 helpful vote
Our stay at Gardens Homestay was wonderful. Neil and Sally were great hosts. We were welcomed by Neil on arrival and were shown to a beautiful room. We were walking distance away from the centre of town. Neil gave us a walking route to follow which was just perfect for us to see round this city. If we are ever in Wellington again, we would be sure to stay there.
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Date of stay: February 2016
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 20 Feb 2016
What a pleasure to host this delightful Scottish couple! They brought interesting stories from around the world and we only wish their visit had been longer. Thank you for a very nice review! Neil
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Matt W wrote a review Feb 2016
China Spring, Texas6 contributions
Our two night stay at Sally & Neil's Garden Homestay was such a pleasure! We've each stayed in five star hotels and a wide range b&b's around the world, but this was the best b&b experience either of us had ever had. We would never even consider staying anywhere else when we're in Wellington.
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Date of stay: February 2016
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.
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Footprints304226 wrote a review Feb 2016
1 contribution
We had a perfectly lovely six nights in the gorgeous home of Sally and Neil. The location in Wellington was perfect for walking to all the CBD sights and the suite and breakfasts were delightful. What stood out to us on this visit, for each of us in our entire family, was the incredible warmth and generosity of the hosts. Neil and Sally were a wealth of local knowledge for Wellington and the rest of New Zealand. They made us feel incredibly welcome and comfortable. We arrived as guests and we departed as friends, a lovely treasure on our NZ trip.
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Date of stay: February 2016
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 3 Feb 2016
Yes, we made new friends indeed! Amy's family were a real delight to host and watching the kids enjoying the swimming pool was fun for them and for us! The whole family fitted in perfectly, such interesting people. We miss them now they've gone on their South Island tour but we hope to see them again on their way north. I doubt we've ever enjoyed a visit as much as this Canadian family's stay and we're very pleased that we helped to make their stay as good as it was. Five stars for these wonderful guests!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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richardwilson10a wrote a review Jan 2016
Christchurch, New Zealand1 contribution
We have stayed at "Gardens Homestay" on two separate occasions. If anyone is in need of a B and B that: is extremely beautiful; oozes charm and character; has outstanding, attentive, caring and fun hosts; is well situated, being close to the botanical gardens and city centre; easy to get to on public transport (it took us less than an hour from the airport complete with bags and a 5-year old); and with good quality hostelries close by, then this is the B and B for you. We cannot commend "Gardens Homestay" highly enough. Neil and Sally are wonderful people. This is a superb place to stay and will make any trip to Wellington memorable.
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Date of stay: December 2015
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.
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Response from NeilHarrap, Owner at Gardens Homestay
Responded 26 Jan 2016
What a wonderful review! Thank you for all the kind words, Richard, it was indeed a pleasure to have you stay and I'm sure we'll see you again. I think the difference with Gardens Homestay is that every guest visit is a special experience for us as we're part time B&B hosts and we only take one party at a time. Just the same, getting such a glowing review is a great compliment. Thank you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandGreater WellingtonWellington
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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GARDENS HOMESTAY (Wellington) - Guesthouse Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison - Tripadvisor