See all properties
Entire home

Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home

Photo gallery for Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home

Waterfront Breakfast....
Dolphins in Tapeka bay
Living area
Inside Dining
Love to cook? It's all here.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
Russell, Northland
  • Place, Tapeka Point Historic Reserve
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Flagstaff Hill
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Beach
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Bunk Beds and 2 Twin Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home

Absolute beachfront holiday home with unobstructed "million dollar' views of the bay and sandy beach. Sitting on our shaded veranda you will enjoy superb sunsets across the Bay and an endless parade of passing boats. You can relax and re-energise with nature at your door.
Furnished to a high standard, with your comfort and enjoyment a priority, our spacious 3-bedroom holiday home is fully fenced/gated on a flat section. Your children can play safely at the house or nearby reserve. From the Bay Retreat you have access to a safe, sandy swimming beach only metres from the house. You can swim all day regardless of changing tides. Tapeka beach has its own boat ramp and diving pontoon.
For your family’s enjoyment we provide you with a table tennis table, a variety of sports equipment, including two kayaks, dinghy, toys and games. Tennis players have access to tennis courts in Russell township. Golfers can test their skills at Waitangi and Kerikeri golf courses.
In front of the property there is registered boat mooring available for an up to 6 metre boat.
Just a 3-minute drive is the delightful colonial village, Russell. Here history and present-day meld together offering a variety of local shopping, tourist activities, vineyards, a good selection of restaurants and cafes.
The Bay Retreat is a warm haven in winter. A great place for you to relax and unwind all year around.
Fast Fibre Broadband wifi, and normal TV channels are provided and Netflix.
Bookings for four nights or less are by negotiation. Special rates for Long-term and School/Stat holidays.
Smoking allowed outside only.
This is not a Party House.
Duvets/Blankets and Pillows are provided with Holiday Home.
**We can provide sheets/towels and pillowcases, but there is a fee NZ$40.00 per person for the period of stay**
Under Kiwi Bach tradition you are expected to leave the Home clean and vacuumed, and do the dishes before you leave.
Email now for an online brochure.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

North Facade from garden
Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.
Russell
  • Ocean view
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (166 reviews)
Terracotta Gardens - Heart of Russell, key to the Bay of Islands.

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Very good for families.
default

Events

No events allowed
No parties/events
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Must ask please.
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside please.
At the end of your Holiday ,please leave the Holiday Home clean, tidy and vacuumed. You will find equipment at property. Thank you.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties/events
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the neighborhood

Russell

Located in Russell, this vacation home is on the beach. Pompalier House and Pompallier Mission are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Makana Chocolate Boutique and Action World. Traveling with kids? Consider Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and The Parrot Place. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and ecotours.
View more Vacation Homes in RussellOpens in a new window
Map
Russell, Northland

What's nearby

  • Tapeka Point - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Tapeka Point Historic Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Flagstaff Hill - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Russell Beach - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Russell Christ Church - 4 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Breeze Cafe - ‬31 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home?

As of Apr 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home on Jul 19, 2026 start from $118, 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?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Bay Retreat - Absolute Beachfront Holiday Home located?

Nestled on the beach, this Russell vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Tapeka Point Historic Reserve and Bay of Islands. Flagstaff Hill and Lookout are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 177 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 177 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 177 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 177 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 177 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom F.

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

Great Place to Stay

Great place to stay and we will definitely back
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonimarie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There is such a gorgeous feeling to this property. Tranquil and restful. Lovely large kiwi style bach with plenty of room and everything you'd possibly need. We loved it here.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This holiday home was exactly what we needed. Lots of space and a superb location. Great to be on the beach with sea views and the setting sun.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a lovely place for us and our doggie being fully fenced. It has a wonderful view to relax in and easy access for beach swims, it’s a beautiful spot. The house was well equipped and there’s great supermarket down the road.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

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

Amazing

Loved our stay. Absolute top spot!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Patrick G.

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

Great family getaway

Convenient location, beautiful home
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Guy M.

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

Beautiful Stay at Tapeka Point

Fantastic Property, Sunsets were amazing, access to the beach was a great bonus.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Prakash G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a lovely cozy home with full of basic comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather R.

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

Love love love it

Just loved house and location ...could not have asked for anything more :)
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

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

Great location

My mew favourite spot
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Moiras W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good communication before our stay which was really appreciated. From the moment we walked into the living area and saw the view we knew we had picked a great place to stay. The securely fenced garden was an ideal playground for my disabled grandson.The family are already planning the next trip. Oh, and the one footed weka is "Hoppy". Just don't tell them that the "kiwi" they spotted one evening was actually a rabbit.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leonie J.

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

Beautiful Tapeka

Another relaxing stay at this amazing property. Can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia H.

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

Beautiful Views

Relaxing and beautiful spot.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

keith t.

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

Beach retreat.

Had a great winter break there. Quiet and peaceful yet only about 5min drive to Russell. Lovely beach, strongly recommend this property. Thanks
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gemma F.

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

Wonderful

Was just perfect, just what we expected. View was stunning and definitely will be back
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

debbie g.

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

russell holiday

property was all that was mentioned great views great location clean and well appointed
Stayed 26 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel P.

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

A slice of paradise

Tranquil surroundings, beautiful views and so much to do and explore. Very handy to everything you need. I will definitely be back to enjoy this retreat again. Love the photo wall of your family it gives a story but one you feel apart of of.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leonie J.

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

Awesome

Another awesome holiday at beautiful Tapeka. Thank you Barry
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret K.

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

Winter break

Superb location and set up at the house. Well equiped and very comfortable, quiet Wonderful beach access and perfect for our wee dog. Thanks Barry
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

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

Back again

This was our second stay here and just like the first time we loved it. Sitting on the deck overlooking the water is just bliss. Our 2 dogs had a blast swimming and running the lenght of the beach. Thank you Barry for allowing us to share your piece of paradise.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wayne D.

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

Seafront stay

Spacious rooms and excellent location to relax in. Only one issue was that gate could not be closed which meant we couldnt let our dog free reign of the section. This wont affect other people as neighbours were working temporarily with the fence down.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea T.

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

Amazing location - lovely cottage

Tapeka point is so beautiful, the photos can’t quite do it justice. Steps to a sandy beach and another beach within 100m, amazing view walks/hikes from the doorstep, kayaks and beach toys provided. Our family - infant to mid 60’s had a wonderful stay. Communication was quick and effective with Barry. Their recommendations were very good - we really enjoyed outings to Waitangi treaty grounds, day cruise with Island Getaway from Russell dock and the Swordfish club for dinner. We’d happily stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen N.

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

Lovely beachside Bach

This has been our favourite stay so far in New Zealand. The location is amazing - overlooking the beach/sea, peaceful and a short drive into Russell. Our children loved the games to play with, watching the birds in the garden (including a family of weka), and using the kayak to paddle round the bay. It was great having the outdoor space to eat while enjoying the incredible view. The Bach itself is comfortable with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Barry was very communicative and provided us with lots of helpful information for our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris h.

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

Very comfortable

Get spot in a little seaside group of houses. Overlooking beach and park area. 5 mins drive over the hill to Russell, 20 min walk by Jim's walkway. Easy path with some uphills on the Russell side. Very clean and very tidy house. Almost anything needed for a comfortable stay provided. Good WiFi, Very good communication from owner, always replys fast and explains things very well. 100% would come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gareth K.

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

Tapeka family stay

Absolutely outstanding place to stay. We had an amazing time and the property is immaculate, close to beach and bush walks. Communication excellent.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by barrng254

Host profile image
Bach owners Barry and Diana Ayling .We live in Auckland. We purchased this Holiday Home for Family Holidays and it has delivered great holidays and fabulous memories.

Why they chose this property

We always enjoyed holidaying in Russell. It is the gateway to the Bay of Islands, which is a very special place of the World. The Bay Retreat is so well positioned to the Beach and the Sunshine, yet is sheltered. The views are enchanting.

What makes this property unique

From the Bay Retreat you have access to a safe sandy swimming beach only metres from the house.
The Township of Russell just over the hill, 2 mins by car.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback