A warm welcome and a place to settle in, near Wellington.
Ideal for families relocating to Wellington, between homes, renovating or working in the region, and anyone wanting a comfortable, affordable base while visiting loved ones or exploring New Zealand.
A self-contained apartment and a family who can help you settle in, for a few nights or a few months.
About Us
We're the Taylors, Kersti, Dwayne and our three kids, and we've called Fairfield, Lower Hutt home for ten years. We started GEM Homestay Apartment to offer other families the same warmth we always looked for ourselves.
Read more about us
The Apartment
- 2 bedrooms
- Sleeps 5-6
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Laundry
- Space for kids to play
Settlement Support
We've spent years helping people settle into New Zealand, from school zones to health services to simply knowing what to expect in your first few weeks. Whether or not you stay with us, we're happy to help.
Learn more about settlement supportTen years, dozens of families, one very full guest book
We're a Guest Favourite and Superhost on Airbnb, rated one of the most loved homes by our guests, with a 4.99 star rating from 79 reviews. We're also ranked in the top 10% of homes, and recent guests have given our check-in a perfect 5 stars.
Support that goes beyond a place to stay:
Read more reviews"Amazing family, wonderful hosts... The help and support they provided to our migrating family went above and beyond any reasonable expectation. We couldn't have done this without them and I highly recommend anyone moving to the area stay with the Taylor family."
A warm welcome and a place to settle in, near Wellington.
Ideal for families relocating to Wellington, between homes, renovating or working in the region, and anyone wanting a comfortable, affordable base while visiting loved ones or exploring New Zealand.
A self-contained apartment and a family who can help you settle in, for a few nights or a few months.
Feels like home
Warm, welcoming family environment
Great location
Close to transport, shops and attractions
Comfortable rooms
Relax and recharge in quiet spaces
Personal touch
We care about making your stay special
About Us
We're the Taylors, Kersti, Dwayne and our three kids, and we've called Fairfield, Lower Hutt home for ten years. Kersti's background in immigration means we know exactly what it takes to settle into a new life here, and we go above and beyond for every family who stays. They arrive as guests and leave as friends.
Nestled in Fairfield
A quiet, leafy suburb of Lower Hutt, close to shops and the Waiwhetū Stream, with a bus stop at the end of the street and easy access into the CBD, Hutt Hospital and central Wellington. You'll find cafes, convenience stores, and local parks all within easy walking distance.
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Space to breathe and settle in for a while
Our private, self-contained apartment has its own entrance and courtyard, tucked into a quiet part of Fairfield. It's not somewhere to just crash for a night, it's space to actually unpack, spread out, and feel at home.
Like staying with family
We're in our element hosting families relocating to Wellington, guests visiting loved ones, and people here for work or study. This is our family home, and that's what makes the difference, a genuine welcome and a level of care you won't find in a hotel.
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 5-6
Kitchen
Bathroom
Laundry
Space for kids to play
Ten years, dozens of families, one very full guest book
We're a Guest Favourite and Superhost on Airbnb, rated one of the most loved homes by our guests, with a 4.99 star rating from 79 reviews. We're also ranked in the top 10% of homes, and recent guests have given our check-in a perfect 5 stars.
Support that goes beyond a place to stay:
"Amazing family, wonderful hosts. The apartment was impeccably clean, the location is so convenient, and they are the best hosts. The help and support they provided to our migrating family went above and beyond any reasonable expectation. We couldn't have done this without them and I highly recommend anyone moving to the area stay with the Taylor family."
"It is so difficult to put into words, our love and gratitude for this amazing family. Anyone who is looking for a home away from home I can't recommend this family enough. The Taylor family have made an everlasting footprint in our lives and am so grateful they were our bnb hosts (now friends)."
"We planned to stay for a couple of weeks when we first moved to New Zealand and stayed for six weeks. We couldn't have asked for better hosts or more from the facilities, they provided everything we needed. The beds are comfortable, the food supplies on arrival were thoughtful and, most significant, the Taylor family are lovely and will happily share travel stories of their amazing adventures around the world."
Need help moving to Wellington?
We have years of experience helping new arrivals settle into New Zealand, so supporting people through their move isn't just something we enjoy, it's something we genuinely know how to do. Whether or not you end up staying with us, we're happy to answer your questions. School zones, good neighbourhoods for families, getting a car sorted, where to find secondhand furniture, how the health system works, or simply what to expect in your first few weeks in New Zealand. We've helped dozens of families find their feet in Wellington, and we'd love to help you too.