Property Overview
UniLodge Wellesley Apartments is a student housing property located at Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. It offers non-ensuite rooms (shared bathroom) with weekly rents ranging from NZD 315 to NZD 440 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property is managed by UniLodge and is available for move-in from 2 July 2026. Minimum lease length is 12 weeks. On-site amenities include laundry facilities, study zones, and bicycle parking.
The property has a Google rating of 4.7 from 32 reviews, indicating consistently positive feedback from past residents. It is situated in a quiet, convenient area of central Auckland, close to supermarkets, banks, and bus stops.
Who This Residence Suits
UniLodge Wellesley Apartments suits international students and domestic students who value a supportive community environment and easy access to the University of Auckland, Massey University, and Auckland University of Technology. The property’s location in Grafton places it within walking distance or a short bus ride to these institutions.
The residence is especially suitable for:
- Students new to Auckland — Multiple reviews highlight the welcoming staff and the support provided for international students adjusting to a new environment.
- Students who enjoy social activities — The building features a courtyard with a volleyball court and basketball hoop, a pool table, and card tables on the first level. Weekly events are organised, giving residents opportunities to meet people and enjoy free food.
- Students who need quiet study time — Despite being social, the apartment is described as “very quiet” by residents, and there are dedicated study zones on-site.
- Budget-conscious students comfortable with non-ensuite rooms — The price point is above the city’s lowest weekly rate (NZD 280) but remains moderate for central Auckland. Non-ensuite means shared bathroom facilities, which can help keep costs lower than ensuite options.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who require a private ensuite bathroom — All unit types are non-ensuite (shared bathroom). If you prefer your own bathroom, this property is not suitable.
- Students who need a very short lease (less than 12 weeks) — The minimum lease is 12 weeks. Shorter stays may not be accommodated.
- Students who prioritise a brand-new building — One reviewer, Lex Patterson, noted that “the building itself is old”. While the facilities and activities are well-maintained, the building’s age might not appeal to everyone.
- Students seeking lower weekly rent — The city’s entry-level price for student housing is NZD 280 per week (indicative). UniLodge Wellesley starts at NZD 315, which is NZD 35 above that baseline. If your budget is strictly under NZD 300 per week, you may need to look at other options.
What Residents Say
The following verbatim excerpts from Google reviews provide insight into the lived experience at UniLodge Wellesley Apartments.
Timson Maethara (Rating: 5)
“I’m having a great experience here. Firstly, the staff are very kind and welcoming. As an international student, adapting to a new environment can sometimes be challenging, so I truly appreciate the support provided here. I would especially like to appreciate the night manager, Mr. Andrew Snowden, for his great efforts.”
Lex Patterson (Rating: 4)
“The building itself is old but has fun activities to do. Outside is a courtyard area with a volleyball court and basketball hoop. The first level has a pool table and tables to play cards at. Almost every week a different event is run where you can meet new people and eat free food. The apartments themselves are outfit”
(Note: The review text ends abruptly after “outfit”. It likely refers to the apartments being equipped or furnished.)
Haorui Ding (Rating: 5)
“This apartment has a beautiful environment, is very quiet, and has convenient transportation. It is close to supermarkets, banks, schools, and bus stops. The staff has a good attitude and solves problems quickly. I will recommend this apartment to others.”
These reviews consistently highlight:
- Friendly, supportive staff
- Active social calendar with free food and activities
- Quiet and safe environment
- Convenient location with good transport links
The only noted drawback is the building’s age, but residents appear to find the amenities and community compensate for it.
Location and Proximity to Universities
UniLodge Wellesley Apartments is located in Grafton, a central suburb of Auckland. The property is within:
- Walking distance to the University of Auckland (City Campus) — approximately 15–20 minutes on foot.
- Short bus ride to Massey University’s Auckland campus.
- Direct public transport to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) — about 10–15 minutes by bus.
Nearby amenities include Countdown supermarket, banks, and multiple bus stops on Symonds Street and Wellesley Street. The convenience of daily errands is frequently noted in reviews.
Room Types and Pricing
All rooms at UniLodge Wellesley Apartments are classified as non-ensuite — meaning you share a bathroom with other residents on the same floor or in the same apartment. The exact room configuration (e.g., single room in a shared apartment, studio-type) is not specified in the available data, but the price range of NZD 315–440 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator) likely reflects different room sizes or floor levels.
Price positioning compared to the city:
Auckland’s cheapest weekly student housing listed on independent platforms starts at NZD 280 (indicative). The entry price for this property (NZD 315) sits about 12% above that baseline. Given the central location, communal facilities, and positive resident reviews, the pricing is reasonable for a non-ensuite option in Grafton. There are 6 total student housing properties listed in Auckland on the same platform, so you have some alternatives if budget is a primary concern.
Booking Timing and Availability
The property becomes available from 2 July 2026. To secure a room for the academic year starting in late February or March 2026, you would need to plan for a July move-in (mid-year intake) or confirm with the operator whether early arrivals are possible.
Given that Auckland student housing tends to fill quickly, especially near university semesters, it is advisable to start inquiries at least 2–3 months before your intended move-in date. The minimum lease of 12 weeks means you can also book for a single semester or a shorter stay (minimum 3 months) if you are on exchange or summer study.
Because availability and exact rent change frequently, always check directly with the operator for current rates and room options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum lease length?
The minimum lease is 12 weeks. This is shorter than many purpose-built student accommodations that require a full semester (usually 16–20 weeks), making it flexible for students on short programs or exchange.
Are utilities included in the weekly rent?
The available data does not specify whether utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are included. You should confirm with the operator during the enquiry process. Many student apartments in Auckland include these in the rent, but it varies by provider.
Is the property close to supermarkets and public transport?
Yes. According to resident Haorui Ding, the apartment is “close to supermarkets, banks, schools, and bus stops.” The Grafton location offers easy access to Countdown supermarket, public buses, and the University of Auckland. The area is generally considered safe and well-connected.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
The information in this article is based on listing data from the independent student-housing platform amberstudent and Google reviews as of July 2026. Prices are indicative and should be confirmed with the operator before booking.
For live availability and current room options, use the on-site assistant at the top or bottom of the page — it can help you check what’s free right now.
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