Keith snd Sue deserve not only a superhost but a super super host status.
I travelled to Auckland with my son to assist with his settling in to his first year at AUT . So I was a bit apprehensive with my solo stay once my son settled into his student accomodation . But the experience with my air bnb stay turned out to be a wonderful and reassuring one
The annexed building used as airbnb house behind the main building is a great idea- I have the privacy as well as a sense of security the host family is just in front.
I booked for the entire 19 days I was in Auckland - thinking at first if I should get 2 different places to explore and compare but no regrets to stay put at this Hillcrest house
A few points :
Regarding the house and location - next to the house is the pool and a hot tub . Keith and Sue are generous to open up to the neighbour's kids to use as well ( i only saw them twice during the duration of my stay ) and it feels homely to hear kids' laughters.
Free to help myself to the lime tree , the sweet basil plant and the apricots that were in season
Short walk to a minimart , chinese takeaway ( we liked the food ) and a " Simply Fresh" supermarket with store-made sausages - yummy)
2 short-cut paths to the bus stops . I travelled by bus throughout the 19 days and it is really convenient to move around to the city , to AUT ( where my son is starting his first year and one of the reasons I chose Hillcrest ) and to other places of interest such as the museum and Devonport .
How to find one's way to the house from the airport:
Take the skybus from the airport to Akoranga Bus Station (40 min journey) . From there Keith could pick you up or easy to book Uber ( only a 5 min drive from the bus station to the house )
I took the initiative to ask Keith for airport meeting service , if he could ,and he kindly agreed ( please pay him :))
The stay has been very comfortable and enjoyable . Will definitely stay again when I next visit .