The Switch is held in Kohimarama, Auckland and also is available online. Kohimarama is a beautiful part of Auckland, fifteen minutes from the CBD with a lovely beach, many cafes, ice cream parlours, a cinema and a supermarket all walking distance from the course. Most out-of-town clients choose to stay in local B&B accommodation and walk to the course each day. Clients have commented that it was really helpful being away from their regular environment and routines, so that they can focus fully on the course and themselves, and also enjoy a little holiday while they are here. There are buses to and from the CBD every 15 minutes.
There are a number of accommodation options in the area. I only list places on this webpage that I have personally visited, seen the room, met the hosts and heard good client reviews about. I have discussed with each host what they can expect when having guests who are chronically ill and who are doing The Switch, so they are aware of your journey and how best to support you. Walking distances are all based on google calculations, though you may be faster or slower than these times.
KOHIMARAMA LODGE
This lodge is only a 600 metre walk on the flat from the course venue. It has several different rooms available, each with a different decor theme ranging from Captain’s Cabin to a 1930s Gatsby Fantasy room. All rooms have a mini-fridge and free snacks. The host is a quiet guy who will show you to your room and leave you to your peace. It’s quiet without road noise.
If you phone Peter to book and say that you are attending The Switch, you will receive a $35 discount each night of your stay.
For more info, visit Kohimarama Lodge
Phone Peter on 021 666 203
KOHI BEACH BED & BREAKFAST
Kohi Beach Bed and Breakfast is just 180 metres from the course venue, on the same street. It is a 5 minute walk to Kohimarama Beach with views to Waiheke Island. Rooms start from $130. I hear from clients that they only accept cash payments though. This is a beautiful, upmarket B&B. The Hosts also do airport pickups ($70).
KOHIMARAMA GUEST SUITE
BASEMENT STUDIO NEAR THE PARK
Francesca rents a studio unit underneath her house. It is spacious and clean. Not a lot of sun. It has a kitchenette with a microwave and fridge. There is a steep driveway to the house which could be challenging for people with mobility issues. Then it’s a flat 1.3km walk around the edge of a nice park to the course. Google estimates 20 minutes to walk or 3 minutes to drive. There is a small dog living upstairs also and a mother and child so some noise, though she says there is no foot noise over the room between 9pm and 7am.
If you book directly through Francesca, it will be $100/night with no additional cleaning fee or Air BNB service fees.
pigattofrance@gmail.com or 022 657 7023
MODERN LUXURY WITH A SPA POOL
This self-contained unit is a 25 minute walk on the flat round the edge of a park or a 4 minute drive away. It is brand new and luxurious in every way, with an outdoor seating area and access to a spa pool and home gym. The hosts are happy for as much or as little contact as you want and are living on site in the main house. They supply breakfast of toast, homemade cereal and fruit.
If you contact Geoff directly and say you are attending The Switch, he will give you a special price of $499 (3 nights) or $599 (4 nights) with no extra cleaning fee or service fee.
Contact Geoff: 021 405 859 or email G14TAY@xtra.co.nz
TERRY AND CINDY’S B&B
Terry and Cindy’s B&B is located a 42 minutes walk from the course venue (3.3km) so is probably only feasible if you have a car and can drive 6 minutes to the course. Their accommodation includes a self contained apartment with cooking facilities (double $140, single $120) and a queen room (double $120, single $100) per night including breakfast. The hosts are very supportive of The Switch.
To contact Terry and Cindy, visit www.tcbb.co.nz, or phone 09 528 5656 or 021 532 025.
GODDEN CRESCENT BEDSIT LOFT
This loft is spacious and cosy all at once. It is a 21 minute (1.5km) walk to the course or a three minute drive. It costs $140/night, including basic breakfast supplies to make yourself. It is open plan with a comfy queen size bed, sitting area (wifi and TV), your own bathroom and kitchenette with cooking facilities, all in a separate building to the main house. Debbie, the host, has a kind persona, and says “You can have as little or as much to do with us as you like. We are happy to help in any way”.
Contact Debbie at: Debbie@collinz.co.nz, 021 964 021