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Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.

Photo gallery for Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.

North Facade from garden
Lower Deck towards spa
Upper Dining, Lounge, Deck
Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom Ensuite

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8200 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Russell, Russell
  • Place, Russell Christ Church
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Long Beach
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1 upper level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 upper level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 upper level

2 Single Beds

Master bedroom lower level

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Lower Level en suite

Toilet · Shower only

Lower Level hot tub

Jetted bathtub

Upper Level separate toilet

Toilet

Upper Level wash and shower

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.

Terracotta Gardens is a beautiful holiday house and extensive garden in "Romantic Russell", centre of the lovely Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The house has two levels connected by an elevator, each with their own private, very large outdoor deck and spacious lounge and living area.

There are three upper double bedrooms (two queen, one twin single) and one lower king bedroom with private ensuite and spa deck. Fully-equipped kitchen/dining, lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms. There is a large bbq on the upper deck. The lower level has a separate kitchenette with microwave oven, mini-fridge and small stove-top. Broadband internet access via Wifi is available.

Terracotta Gardens is on the hillside above the township with a view west across the Bay towards Waitangi and north across a bushclad valley where morepork and kiwi call at night and weka and tui during the day. A path descends the slope through beautiful gardens to Long Beach road where it is a five-minute walk either into the main township, ferry whart and foreshore or over the saddle to the excellent swimming beach and spectacular view of the Bay and outer islands at Long Beach.

Road access to the house is from Oneroa Road opposite the Pomare Road intersection. A stroll down Pomare Road brings you to Matauwhi Bay and the yacht club while Oneroa Road extends along the ridgeline and gives alternative walks to Long Beach, the township and to Matauwhi Bay.
Special conditions:
Smoking allowed outside only. Pets by arrangement when booking.

Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included);

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Ask for house=trained dogs with own sleeping mat
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Russell

Located in Russell, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Pompallier Mission and Pompalier House are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Bay of Islands Marina and Paihia Wharf. Makana Chocolate Boutique and Action World are also worth visiting. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
View more Holiday homes in RussellOpens in a new window
Map
Russell, Russell

What's nearby

  • Tapeka Point - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Russell Christ Church - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Russell Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Long Beach - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Flagstaff Hill - 16 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬26 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.?

As of 29 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands. on 6 Apr 2026 start from AU$207, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands. located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Russell Christ Church and Bay of Islands. Russell Beach and Pompalier House are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 121 out of 166 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 166 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 166 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 166 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 166 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really lovely stay! Plenty of room for us all and easy location! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sabine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is well set up for a large group of people. It was very handy to have two fridge freezers.The host was very friendly and helpful. Overall it was fantastic, we will be going back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanine J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Russell is our favourite place in NZ. Location to Long Beach a big draw card to us. Accommodation has plenty of room and tremendous taking our dog.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anson P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time at this accommodation - 5 stars especially for being wheelchair accessible! Definitely recommend staying here
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Zachary N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place seemed relatively clean if not smelling a little shut up for a while. Was excited about the spa pool but was let down by the tepid temperature. The owner responded really quickly and maybe too familiarly when we reported the lift being faulty, he just let himself into the house. I know it is his house but we had paid for the privilege.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Christina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
For what we paid we thought it was fair. Beds upstairs were great. Only real issue was the musty smell, especially down stairs. It was pretty bad really.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Saba T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Great stay but no TV &Wifi

TV and Wifi were mentioned when I booked the property but it was shocking that neither TV nor Wifi were working.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Wendy N.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Russell

A good location but house dusty, cobwebs, and lower level had strong mouldy smell.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sharon E.

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

Terracotta Gardens

Lovely deck with views. Great BBQ. Very happy with our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanine J.

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

Family friendly holiday home

Usually stay each year with only the 3 of us but this year had friends staying too. Very spacious place with self contained accommodation down stairs also.Russell is our favourite place in NZ and accommodation close to beautiful Long Beach
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John K.

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

Handy location ,spacious

We had a great stay at Alan's property and it had everything we needed.Would stay again in future
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas T.

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

Charming Russell Home

Spacious, comfortable rental close to activities of Russell. Driveway billed as steep and fortunately short. We had a delightful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roger B.

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

Fabulous stay in Russell

The place was great and very spacious. Ideal for an adult family group like we had. It is quite a steep access to Russell township but handy to everything.We were staying the week to attend Waitangi activities and it was very handy to the ferry.We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kat C.

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

Paradise - even with the teenagers!

Fabulous property true holiday bach with space for the whole family to relax and enjoy - even when it rained!! Great communication and great location half way between town and long beach. Our 2nd year there and going again next year - highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris K.

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

A lovely place to relax and enjoy life.

There is heaps of space to hang out with the family, upstairs and down below via the lift. The hot tub was delightful too. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jo C.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

Not what we expected

The downstairs rooms were very damp and smelt musty. The shower wall was bulging due to the wet bank behind the shower. Mould on the ceiling in the downstairs lounge. We requested a dehumidifier but was told there isnt one. We had a 3 month old baby and found it very stressful to have a newborn in such a damp house. Im sure over summer its dry. The access drive was very steep. There was an overgrown path with a broken handrail to the front door. This path had no lighting.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike D.

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

Baches

Perfect stay. Highly recommended
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

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

Great location

Loved our stay - such a handy location to access the village. Enjoyed the spa and privacy of the decks.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Roby D.

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

Regretable

Linen was dirty. No view as per photo. Very steep incline to garage. Hot tub slippery to get in. Compost bin full of old rubbish. Kitchen bins dirty. Pathwzys on side property overgrown and slippery. Property needs a good clean overall. Lift stopped working. No stairs to downstairs.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Nick G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky but comfortable

We enjoyed our stay in this quirky house. It worked well for our family group. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanine J.

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

Tremendous family friendly property

Staying in Russell is our piece of paradise in NZ. We have been coming to Russell for the past 37 years. Accommodation is ideal as very close to the lovely Long Beach. House has plenty of room and very family friendly and relaxing and we can take our Cocker Spaniel.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TOM N.

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

Visit to the Bay of Islands area

Excellent location and choice of property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

leigh w.

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

Good location

Fit for our purposes, teens had their own space and parents could retreat. So close to everything. Like living in a secret garden.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea P.

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

Russell

8 of us were in Russell for a wedding . Property was well suited. No internal stairs but was a lift instead. Dogs were welcome. Hot tub was lovely. Overall property was a bit dated but very comfortable. Host was easy to contact and very obliging. Highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wayne D.

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

Perfect getaway - highly recommend

Communication with the owner was superb, so so friendly and accommodating, the location was perfect, house was great… and the hot tub! What a bonus :-) loved our stay and will definitely book again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Alan Wilkinson

Host profile image
We are semi retired with several interests in Russell - an art gallery, a landscaping business, this holiday home and land and horses out the back road. I am also still a director of a computer business in Auckland that was my professional career after training as a scientist.

Why they chose this property

We bought this property next to our home when it got too much for our elderly neighbour. We extended and completely renovated the house with an architect friend to make it a beautiful and practical holiday house. We landscaped the two gardens together to give each property privacy while able to enjoy the benefits of the whole space.

What makes this property unique

The house is ideal for extended families with its two self-sufficient levels connected by a lift. You can have peace and privacy in your own space or join together with plenty of space to share meals, relaxation or fun. There is a huge upper deck with both sun and shade and great views for entertaining, kids to play on or dogs to enjoy. Children love the lift and everyone enjoys the hot tub spa on a rainy day, after a tiring trip or just to relax before bedtime.

Languages:

English
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