[leslie]

help!

am travelling to auck with toddler mid-may and am looking for a clean, conventient place to stay that wont cost the earth. we'll be out most of the time but i need to be able to cook simple food for max/ make breakfast. could be b&b if they dont mind me using kitchen for basic requirements. max will also need to have afternoon naps as much as possible. anyone know anywhere where management is cheerful and property isn't a death-trap??? the success of the month will not rely on gilded armchairs - more down-to-earth basics /nitty gritty.

its off season so there must be lots of places??? the search engines aren't helpful in our situ and am beginning to think we'll spend the first week finding accom for weeks 2-4. has anyone stayed anywhere they would recommend as a good, practical launch pad for mum/toddler duo?

[jonSE]

Leslie

You should be able to find something that fits your needs for under $100NZ per Night.

Most Motel type units have cooking facilities "en suite" sufficient for feeding a yougster but probably not up to cooking a sunday roast. ie two ring hob maybe a microwave , fridge almost definitely.

Have'nt experienced anywhere that was a death trap (unlike in the UK)

Realisticaly the worst you will probably find is 70's decor and doilies. If the place is quiet becuse you will be arriing a the beginning of winter(ish) and it sems empty you should try to haggle on a longer stay.

Don't think you will have a problem but I completely understand your concerns from afar. just be aware that accom will become scarce when the Lions tour comes here in June?

Atb

Jon

PM me if you get stuck.

[Hannah]

During 5 weeks travelling in NZ we had 3 dodgy motels - one had an electric blanket in the bed which caught light (fortunately we were not in it!!) and a TV smoking at the back before it popped with loud bang. also a dodgy kettle which wouldn't switch off automatically and went bang. other equipment packed up on us - a refreshing approach to health and safety maybe!!!!!

It was usually in the dodgy motels with doilies and 70s wallpaper!!!

Hannah

ps. we haggled $80 a night in motels during winter period but dearer in wellington and auckland (usually about $110 a night) - i agree you can get good deals on longer stays. also, try long lets in holiday cottages...

[leslie]

... forgot to mention the other reason am gravitating toward a nice b&b is that i can bounce ideas/ questions off other people and generally chat re. nz. does anyone know a nice b&b whose owner would like low-key someone for longer stay during off-season?

am shifting motel idea into plan b for now. also thinking we might flee auck during lions game period. would go to waiheke but what to do in winter/ how bad is weather???