[pootle]

Hi, Due to arrive in Auckland on 19th Jan (getting excited now!). Does anyone know of any decent motels in Otahuhu or thereabouts? (this is where I'll be working). Need accomodation for myself and OH for first 2 weeks. Have seen a few motels online, but just wondered if anyone can recommend anything from personal experience?

Many Thanks, Pootle :D

[neilw71]

Pootle,

Otahuhu is not the "best" area to be in with a young family IMHO. If you can stand driving say 10 - 15 mins I would stay over by the Eastern beaches, ie Howick or similar. Failing that, there are a few motels around us in Onehunga / Royal Oak that look quite good - I could get their names if you like? Pakuranga is OK as well - some good friends of ours stayed in a motel there and said the owners were really helpful as they were new to the country.

I suppose it depends on transport you have available and your budget?

Where are you working in Otahuhu?

Neil

[gil]

If you want something in Pakuranga, we stayed at the Howick Motor Lodge on the Pakuranga Road for a month and the owners were wonderful, Mandy and Dave from Doncaster, been here for 11 years and really really helpful and kind. They take dogs too. http://www.howickmotorlodge.co.nz/
It's fairly basic, but functional and reasonable. Not too far a drive for you either.
Good luck,

Gil

[gil]

Oh and if you need transport from the airport, try: Eastern Shuttle, email addy Jenny & Graham McHugh [gmchugh@xtra.co.nz], and local (cheap) car hire from Wendy Witheridge at Auto Rentals Direct (she owns it) http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/product/?product=auto-rentals-direct-ltd

Again, good luck
Gil

[pootle]

Thanks for replies. Neil, I will be working as a Speech and Language Therapist in Otahuhu. I am aware of the area and its diversity. It is only me and OH (we have no children). Work suggested I stay near the office for ease and proximity I think. Eastern Beaches sounds good however.

The thing is, work are supposed to be looking into motel accomodation (they are paying for my first 2 weeks) and they are also lending me a car for 2 weeks. Problem is their office is closed for Christmas so I want to get something booked provisionally at least for our arrival.

Without a car, what is public transport like into Auckland City Centre from Otahuhu area and Eastern Beaches?

Gil, thanks for your tip on shuttle service, will email them!

Pootle x

[neilw71]

Pootle,

Good - I am glad you are aware of the area;) It could be quite a shock otherwise. (BTW - not saying anything negative - just not an area that most new immigrants would settle into quickly)

Your choices for public transport are buses and trains, so a good choice. I have to admit not to being a user, but I think between the 2 you will have regular options to get into the CBD.

Good luck and I hope it all goes well.

Neil

[gil]

Hi Pootle,
http://www.howbus.co.nz/ is the link to bus website for Howick and Esatern beaches. My older two girls use the bus often to CBD and it is regular, if not frequent (hourly, I think and takes about 40 mins). There are no trains in this area at all.
You can pick up used cars very very cheap, and in fact, my eldest bought one for $1,000 dollars (Nissan Pulsar from a local solicitor's PA) and has since decided to go back to UK (tonight, in fact :wah) so if you want to buy a cheap (and reliable) car, PM us!

Gil

[Singel]

Hello Pootle

There is a brand new motel located in the heart of Otahuhu : http://www.540.co.nz/
:cheers

[gpbenton]

I can't help with the Motel, but Aucklands public transport can be accessed here
http://www.maxx.co.nz/