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Apartment

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.

A wooden staircase leading to a second floor with a view of a dining area and a kitchen.
A spacious living area with a kitchen, a dining area, and a view through a glass door to an outdoor patio.
A bedroom with a bed, bedside tables, a nightstand, a chair, a door, and a hallway leading to another room.
A bedroom with a bed, a wooden dresser, a chair, a table, and a door.
A cozy living room with a dark blue sofa, wooden beams on the ceiling, a dining area with a table and chairs, and a kitchen area with a counter and appliances.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Russell Beach
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Dryer
  • Living area
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Russell, Northland
  • Place, Russell Museum
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Christ Church
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪57 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.

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House Rules

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

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 00000000
Property # 9913229
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

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 RussellOpens in a new window
Map
Russell, Northland

What's nearby

  • Russell Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Russell Christ Church - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Russell Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Tapeka Point - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Flagstaff Hill - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Seaside - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪El Cafe - ‬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.

How much does it cost to stay at Secret Garden: walk to beach, cafes?

As of 9 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secret Garden: walk to beach, cafes on 2 Aug 2026 start from AU$330, 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.

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.

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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. 5 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Check-in

8.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

7.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Tessa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Welcoming host, very clean and well equipped apartment.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles D.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kath B.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna C.

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Steven R.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alastair S.

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mary G.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Walter W.

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

About the host

Hosted by Alan Wilkinson

Host profile image
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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