We had a two bedroomed unit at the Takapuna Motor Lodge which was great. They have a pool and the room had kitchen facilities. They organised a rental car for us, sold us a street map and off we went. You have to see the rentals, make nice with the agents and they will look after you (kind of!) I would suggest it depends on where you are working as to where you want to live - near the motorway/buses for commuting. The North Shore is lovely but good rentals will go quickly. The North Shore Times comes out Tues/Thurs/Fri, local free paper with good rentals section, they are also online.