If you need a cheap place , near from the Glenfield Mall ( lot of shops and various restaurants) it would be a really good stay.
There is one bus going to Auckland CBD every 30 minutes , it is really nice.
There is beautiful walks around in the forest and Alison and Danny's house / garden is really nice .
Also, there is a hot tube , but we didn't enjoy it .
It is a good place for chill and relax for 1 week.
And there is 4 lovely cats and a dog that we won't forget .
We were with 2 others french couples , and 1 Scottish guy so it was really nice to share and meet them .