Families play a vital role in a child’s recovery, which is why we believe it’s so important to keep them close when a child is in hospital. Our Houses provide accommodation for families whose child needs to travel for specialist medical treatment. This might include an outpatient appointment, inpatient care and surgery, or a stay in the NICU, PICU, or another paediatric high-dependency unit.

We understand that the definition of family is diverse. By “family,” we mean primary caregivers (parents, step-parents, grandparents and foster parents) along with siblings. Each room sleeps up to five people, with one room per family, and you’re welcome to stay for as long as your child is receiving treatment. 

If another child who normally lives with you permanently, we may (depending on occupancy at the time) be able to accommodate them with you. Please ask if you need our help with this. 

The first step is a referral from your doctor, District Health Board, or hospital social worker. We’re unable to accept self-referrals, but your medical team can help set this in motion for you. 

If you’re travelling more than 100km one way for your child’s treatment in Auckland, you’re likely eligible for National Travel Assistance through the Ministry of Health, which covers your travel costs and subsidises your accommodation with us. 

Check-in runs from 8:30am to 9pm daily, and our team will be there to welcome you and get you settled. If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, we’ll still check you in and look after your luggage in the meantime. 

Of course! Up to 4 visitors per family are welcome. They just need to sign in at reception when they arrive. We’re unfortunately not able to offer visitor parking. We do ask that visitors skip family dinner nights, so our volunteers can cater comfortably for everyone staying with us. 

We want your stay to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Families have access to stocked kitchens, on-site laundry, a library, an on-site school for years 1–8, an expressing room for NICU mums, free Wi-Fi, outdoor play areas, and regular programmes like art classes, yoga and family dinners. 

You’re not on your own here. Every hospital ward has its own social worker, and we can connect you with a chaplain or a support group for your child’s condition whenever you need one. We also keep emergency supplies like food and nappies on hand. 

Pack for an extended stay if you’re unsure how long you’ll be with us. Linen, towels, and laundry facilities are all provided. You’ll need your own day-to-day food, though we stock pantry staples and provide family dinners at least twice a week. Pushchairs, car seats, and portacots are available to borrow. 

Yes, our facilities are designed to be accessible. We have special bedrooms designed for wheelchair access across each of our Houses. Let us know in advance if you need one so we can book it for you. 

Yes, we have free parking available.