Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands. - Russell

Wonderful

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 260 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Kitchen
Free WiFi

Explore the area

15 York St, Russell, Northland, 0202

Russell Beach
‪2 min walk‬
Flagstaff Hill
‪12 min walk‬
Paihia Wharf
‪25 min drive‬
Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Separate dining area

Dining area

About this property

Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.

A spacious, high-rafter, architectually designed, beautiful apartment above the art gallery in the centre of Russell. Everything a minute's walk away, yet peaceful and private with your secret garden below and a conservatory to enjoy sun or shade, open or closed as you wish. Cross the road and green space and you are at the beach. Cafes and shops all around. A reserved space for parking in front. Fully furnished and equipped with everything you need.

Property manager

Alan Wilkinson

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

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Ocean view
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number 00000000

About the area

Russell

Russell is home to this apartment. Bay of Islands Marina and Paihia Wharf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Makana Chocolate Boutique and Action World. Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and The Parrot Place are also worth visiting.

View more Apartments in Russell

Russell, Northland

What's nearby

Russell Christ Church - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
Russell Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Flagstaff Hill - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Paihia Wharf - 25 min drive - 15.4 km
Paihia Beach - 30 min drive - 14.9 km

Getting around

Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

‪Cbk Craft Beer and Kitchen - ‬25 min drive
‪Marina Cafe Opua - ‬19 min drive
‪Hone's Garden - ‬1 min walk
‪Paihia Wharf - ‬25 min drive
‪Charlotte’s Kitchen - ‬25 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands. located?

Situated in Russell, this apartment building is steps away from Russell Museum and Bay of Islands. Russell Christ Church and Pompalier House are just steps away.

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Check-in

8.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

7.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Anna C.

8 January 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A gem in the heart of Russell

A great spot right in the center of town. Spacious and comfortable - is bigger than the photos show! The covered deck was a nice surprise. The kitchen is VERY well equipped. We had a wonderful stay - thank you.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter W.

8 January 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Locator, location, location

You can't beat the location, in the heart of Russell, steps from a grocery store, across the road from the beach. It doesn't get any better. The unit itself is large and comfortable, the kitchen well stocked. Perfect for a longer stay. The only issues are:1. WiFi signal is weak (especially in the bedroom).2. It's more a neglected garden than a secret garden - scaffolding piled against one wall, sickly plants in its centre, an abandoned lawn mower in calf-high grass. You walk through piles of junk (a disposed toilet, an old sink, stacks of garbage) to access the private garden. A little effort and it could be stunning.3. Too many large plastic plants in the unit. An old mattress leaning against a wall in the main room. A large unopened box on the verandah. Again, a little effort and it could be 5 star.In spite of this we enjoyed dinner, languishing on the verandah, cooking in the kitchen and of course the immediate access to every amenity in town.

Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Steven R.

4 January 2025

Liked: Check-in, location

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Tidy up required

Great location and quirky space but the secret garden is somewhat overstated. The property is more akin to Steptoe and Sons - hard rubbish everywhere and a general lack of maintenance. A shame because it could actually be a great space. However great location and friendly host. Internet is an issue and bedding marginal.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kath B.

31 December 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our mini trip to Russell

Unique, spacious, private, peaceful and we had excellent communication with the owner Alan. Highly recommend this property

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Mary G.

28 January 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, location

Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy

Needs work

Excellent location, well appointed and comfortable. The back yard was full of rubbish, overgrown and dead plants. Nowhere to sit down and read a book. The entrance from the rear was along a narrow uneven path and passed the back yard. The front gate needs a lock that is easy to open and close. We got to the stage we propped it open with one of many bits of wood lying around. We arrived late in the day and followed instructions but the host had his phone off. No milk or basic starters to greet you after a long trip. Very tiny TV that needs upgrading…It have a Convenient car space directly in front of the shop, the accomodation is above it.

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alastair S.

16 November 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Away from the bustle in Russell

Secret Garden was perfectly located to explore the Russell and Paihia areas, excellent facilities, handy to everything in Russell and the wonderful ferry service which runs every half hour across to Paihia, where you can do an easy 30 to 40 minute walk to Waitangi, which we’d recommend. Another excellent tour was the Pompallier guided tour, also good cafe, although there are many in Russell. Sail to Hole in Rock and Urupukapuka Island worthwhile. Walk to Long Beach was interesting, steep and easier options. Perhaps the venue was a tad overpriced, but maybe in line with Bay of Islands. Overall though, good option for Bay of Islands, much quieter than Paihia.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles D.

17 February 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and huge place

Huge apartment in a great location, host was super helpful!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Alan Wilkinson

I've lived in Russell for over 20 years after a background in science and computing but we also own the art gallery and my wife runs the pharmacy. We now have three very different holiday rentals, all lovely in their own ways and enjoy helping visitors enjoy our magic little town and beautiful Bay of Islands.

Why they chose this property

Russell has everything - beautiful beaches, safe anchorages, lovely trees and forests, amazing history, great cafes and restaurants, facinating people from all over the world, fishing, boating, tramping, historic places and good services.

What makes this property unique

The art gallery was originally both business and residence for the artist, Peter Arnold, and remained selling his prints when we bought the business and later the building. To make more exhibition space we rebuilt the accommodation upstairs area adding a new wing and deck area. It was designed by a Swiss architect, Otto Suri, a Dutch engineer, Thijs Drupsteen, and built by an American boatbuildet craftsman, Bruce Black, with a German electrician, Wolfgang Harder. Typical Russell cosmopolitan team! It's a beautiful space, peaceful and overlooking a secret garden in the heart of the town. The perfect place for a couple to enjoy a romantic and relaxing holiday.

Languages:

English

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Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.

Photo gallery for Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property

Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.

Property manager

Languages

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views

Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Russell

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Wonderful

8.4/10

8.6/10

8.4/10

10/10

7.6/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anna C.

A gem in the heart of Russell

Anna C.

10/10 Excellent

Walter W.

Locator, location, location

Walter W.

6/10 Okay

Steven R.

Tidy up required

Steven R.

10/10 Excellent

Kath B.

Our mini trip to Russell

Kath B.

6/10 Okay

Mary G.

Needs work

Mary G.

10/10 Excellent

Alastair S.

Away from the bustle in Russell

Alastair S.

10/10 Excellent

Charles D.

Great location and huge place

Charles D.

About the host

Hosted by Alan Wilkinson

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

Languages:

Holiday Rentals