Reviews showing the New York Times logo below have been reproduced from reviews submitted to the New York Times who have given Homestay at Evans Bay a top rating.

Homestay at Evans Bay is a very special place as is your host Leisha Schuitema who has lost no “beauty sleep”.  Originally from Holland, with a great sense of humour, Leisha is passionately proud of New Zealand and of the wonderful city of Wellington.

My friend Stuart Middleton and I made an “all action round trip” of 26,240 miles and made Homestay at Evans Bay our base, staying there on three occasions for our just magic trip of a lifetime.  We did all our arrangements over the internet and we were so lucky to find this ace place where nothing is trouble to the host.

Fraser Mackay

Chester, United Kingdom.

Click here to read the full review

I have had the pleasure of staying at "Homestay at Evans Bay" ,which I called " the Leisha Hilton" for her great service and eye for detail. Twice over the last 3  years I have stayed there for 12 days each time and could not have been happier. I felt so spoiled with my  lovely room ,waking up with that beautiful view and  with every comfort possible. The breakfast table was a treat, set  with the best silver and crystal , linen napkins and fresh flowers.

Breakfast is a feast of orange juice, fresh fruits , yoghurt , home made muesli, fruit compote, croissants, Danish and home made jams , just to mention a few. I can highly recommend the Eggs Benedict  and fluffy pancakes with freshly brewed coffee and a choice of teas.

It was centrally situated, close to the city with a direct bus service to the city  just down the  drive. At times I strolled to the city walking around the stunning Bay, so peaceful. The  restaurants over the road at the waters edge are very convenient was collected from the Airport and welcomed with drinks and hors d'oeuvres and nothing was too much for Leisha who obviously enjoys meeting and spoiling people.

I hope to return soon knowing I am in good hands. 

Rolf Winkler

Hawaii

Upon my first visit to New Zealand, I was picked up, by arrangement, at the airport by my host of the guest house. A service that Leisha offers guests at no extra charge. The guest house is delightful, very comfortable lounge for guests, the bedrooms are beautifully funished, with en-suite in my bedroom clean and comfy. Leisha, the host, is a lovely lady who is a great cook, and willing to rustle up a scrumptious breakfast. When I arrived back in the evening from a long walk, I was presented with a plate of cheese and crackers, also fruit, which was a most thoughtful service. Homestay at Evans Bay gets my full vote, so much so that I have already booked to come back another three times.

Stuart from Cheshire, England.

We felt like the luckiest lodgers in Wellington. We drove in late , very tired and all of Wellington was booked full. A hotel owner called Leisha, lucky for us some of her guests were just leaving and we could not have asked for more. It was like going home at the other side of the world. The weather cooperated and we have had a beautiful stay.

We very much appreciated  the  warm hospitality and the beautiful food.

Ross and April Ross

Norfolk, USA

We had the pleasure of staying with Leisha at the start of our NZ holiday and at the end. Her place is wonderful. We felt right at home. The breakfasts are wonderful. Leisha was a wealthy of information and helped us decide some of the lose ends in our itinerary. After two weeks touring NZ coming back to Leisha's place we were greeted like long lost friends. We had a wonderful time in NZ and stayed in a mix of hotels and homestay accomodation. We enjoyed all of our homestay visits but Homestay at Evans Bay was our favourite.

Mary Suttor, Frankfurt, Germany

We so hoped that we would receive the same welcome and luxurious hospitality which we give our guests in our homestay in England and we were not disappointed.

We specially appreciated being able to sit and relax in the lovely rose garden in the evening with a drink and good company after a busy day sightseeing.

Judy and Graham

The Garth Country House, Cumbria, England

We enjoyed staying with Leisha during our stay in Wellington, so close  to city but  so very private

The warm welcome , the great hospitality, the beautiful view, the rose garden  , not to forget the delicious food .

We hope to return one day

Richard and Madeleine

Wermuth, Reinach, Switzerland

The best. Absolutely the best. Leisha makes you feel right at home. Her breakfasts are just heaven. The rooms have a wonderful view of the harbor. Make sure she shares a few jokes with you!!

E Lappen

Charming enjoyable hostess, Beautiful home, Fabulous breakfast with elegant service. Marvelous cocktail party, stimulating conversation, lots of fun. Talented water colour artist, All needs met !

Who could ask for more.

Thank you so much Leisha for all the extra things you did for us. We felt rested and relaxed after our stay, ready to explore more of New Zealand

Bernie and Joyce Grant

Falls Church, USA

I received a wonderful welcome from the moment I arrived at Evans Bay - with a delicious home made snacks and a glass of New Zealand wine. The view across the harbour from the bedroom was spectacular.
Leisha, the hostess, made me feel very welcome. In the morning she made a delicious home cooked breakfast.

I will be back for another visit.
Beverley Laing

We enjoyed our stay, we had the best welcome with drinks and nibbles and felt instantly at home

The breakfasts were delicious. It was nice to wake up with that beautiful view and sun

Suzanne and Marc

Quibec, Canada

They were the most intense and extraordinary 24 hours we were allowed to stay at "Homestay at Evans Bay" in Wellington It was Christmas day we and we arrived at around 5 pm without a booking.

We were told to freshen up and join in for a beautiful Christmas dinner, only having arrived  half an hour before It was a very special evening and we will never forget that Christmas so far away from home.

We met a lot of charming , interesting and lovely people. The hostess, Leisha is a wonderful woman and we still like to thank her for her warmth and wonderful spirit ! She made us feel we belonged, that was very special.

Julia and Olaf  

Hamburg, Germany

Homestay at Evans Bay is a wonderful place to stay and be pampered. The service and home made food is out of this world, and Leisha goes out of her way to make you feel special and comfortable.
We'll be back!

Jen & Martin B

I think it was fate that dropped us in the  lap of "Homestay at Evans Bay", or maybe Santa Claus. We were on our honeymoon from the States and Leisha, the host made our first stay as a married couple,  fun, special and memorable. She  helped us feel right at home realizing we were feeling a bit homesick being so far away from our family  at Christmas time. She is  an incredible woman with the greatest heart. Next morning was Christmas day and on our  plates were two glassed stained angels, a red and a green one, one for each of us.

She asked us to put them on our Christmas tree in Minnesota every year and  remember beautiful New Zealand and we do.

She took us in  at the last minute and became our favourite Kiwi, We will never forget  that Christmas

Cole and Kylie Weikle
Minnesota, USA

My friend and I decided to stay at "Homestay at Evans Bay"

We were collected  from Wellington  Airport and the hospitality started right there. The book did not lie- "the luxury boutique homestay where the personal touches make the difference" was understated. We have gained much more then just a 2 day stay in Wellington. We can highly recommend it

Elaine and Ruth

Hong Kong

As Scandinavians we are not to used to stay at B&B:s. during our recent trip to New Zealand we had borrowed a book from some friends with addresses to upscale B&B's being advised this was the best way to see and live New Zealand. On our visit to Wellington we had the pleasure of staying with Leisha Schuitema in her marvelous home. this was truly like being home and we where spoiled every second from arrival to departure. She opened up her home to us with beautiful rooms and generous baths combined with a stunning veiw of the beautiful harbour. As a nice memory, seeds from her beautiful dark blue Agapanthus are now growing on our terrace in Nice, Cote D´azur

We'll be back Leisha!
Pia Waernborg/John Ingvarsson

How lucky we were to choose "Homestay at Evans Bay" for our honeymoon in New Zealand

Leisha was waiting for us when we arrived at Wellington Airport. Everything was beautiful and we were really spoiled. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres in our room , candlelight soft music, fresh flowers and that beautiful view made it perfect. We intend to return every year

Joanna and Martin

Adelaide, Australia

We  found "Homestay at Evans Bay"in Wellington  New Zealand on the internet and emailed them

We felt very much at home and pleased we chose it. Leisha arranged golf for us, took us there  and introduced us at her Golf Club. She was knowledgeable about where to go , what to see and where to dine. We can highly recommend staying there.

Yoshi and Yoko Tsuda

Shizoaka, Japan