Entire home
Waterfront cottage, Te Wahapu Bay, Russell.
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Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
STD Queen
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden
About this property
Waterfront cottage, Te Wahapu Bay, Russell.
The Bay Cottage is situated in historic Te Wahapu Bay on the Russell Peninsula in the Bay of Islands. With its waterfront setting,'The Bay Cottage' is the ideal, romantic "get away from it all" location with comfortable and welcoming amenities. It provides a peaceful and secluded location for your leisure break or holiday.
A short drive to Russell Village, yet a world away from everyone, 'The Bay Cottage' provides a stunning waterfront holiday venue with decks looking out over the bay.
This is a great spot with easy access to the historic Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty House and other early sites of interest in what was the first capital of New Zealand.
For dining in Russel - we recommend the Duke of Marlborough on the waterfront, or Hone's Garden behind the Gables Restaurant - great wood fired pizza and craft beer!
Special conditions:
Minimum 2 night stay or 3 nights peak season.
Two persons maximum.
Please respect that smoking is not allowed at the cottage, inside or on the balcony.
We recommend use of smaller overnight bags or lighter bags that can be carried for taking items up to the cottage, as access is via a short uphill track with the bedroom on the upper level of the cottage (therefore not suitable for large suitcases).
Linen is provided as included in the rate. Includes bed linen, towels and tea-towels for the kitchen.
A short drive to Russell Village, yet a world away from everyone, 'The Bay Cottage' provides a stunning waterfront holiday venue with decks looking out over the bay.
This is a great spot with easy access to the historic Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty House and other early sites of interest in what was the first capital of New Zealand.
For dining in Russel - we recommend the Duke of Marlborough on the waterfront, or Hone's Garden behind the Gables Restaurant - great wood fired pizza and craft beer!
Special conditions:
Minimum 2 night stay or 3 nights peak season.
Two persons maximum.
Please respect that smoking is not allowed at the cottage, inside or on the balcony.
We recommend use of smaller overnight bags or lighter bags that can be carried for taking items up to the cottage, as access is via a short uphill track with the bedroom on the upper level of the cottage (therefore not suitable for large suitcases).
Linen is provided as included in the rate. Includes bed linen, towels and tea-towels for the kitchen.
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (128 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
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
Located on the beach, this holiday home is in Te Wahapu, a neighbourhood in Russell. Russell Museum and Pompallier Mission are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Pompalier House and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Makana Chocolate Boutique and Action World are also worth visiting. Scuba diving, surfing/body boarding and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.

Te Wahapu, Northland
What's nearby
- Russell Christ Church - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
- Russell Museum - 11 min drive - 8.7 km
- Russell Beach - 11 min drive - 8.7 km
- Long Beach - 11 min drive - 8.7 km
- Flagstaff Hill - 12 min drive - 9.4 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Orange Frog - 25 min drive
- Charlotte's Kitchen - 25 min drive
- Duke of Marlborough Hotel - 12 min drive
- CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen - 25 min drive
- Mako Beach Bar - 25 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
4 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
RAY M.
8 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
RAY M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
simon g.
14 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
simon g.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
Angela T.
8 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Angela T.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
6/10 Okay
Ngaire n.
27 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Ngaire n.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
8/10 Good
Simon and Fiona G.
19 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay
Simon and Fiona G.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melissa C.
7 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Melissa C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Janusz L.
6 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beatifull spot in the Bay of Islands
Janusz L.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jim C.
27 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing few days in the beautiful Bay of Islands
Jim C.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Josh B.
30 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing stay
Josh B.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
amanda b.
26 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay at the cottage
amanda b.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Paul R.
17 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquility in Russell
Paul R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Desiree P.
27 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would recommend
Desiree P.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
6/10 Okay
14 Jun, 2015
What an amazing place to stay.
10/10 Excellent
Alison J.
6 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect place to disconnect and relax
Alison J.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrea S.
13 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect escape
Andrea S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kate N.
17 Dec, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
3day stay
Kate N.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Hazel v.
2 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing spot
Hazel v.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
christine v.
28 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House with a soul
christine v.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Craig M.
15 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and relaxing with great views of native bush and the bay. Everything we needed
Craig M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Martin C.
13 Dec, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic place
Martin C.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth A.
3 Dec, 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location
Elizabeth A.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Paige D.
28 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private oasis!
Paige D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sue B.
27 Dec, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely fabulous
Sue B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
10/10 Excellent
Alexandra C.
26 Sept, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great position
Alexandra C.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
About the host
Hosted by David13
The section the Cottage is located on was purchased by our parents as a family bach in 1979. The "kids" have grown up and now the grandchildren are enjoying the seclusion of the family bach...
Why they chose this property
Quiet, waterfront cottage with relaxing views and surrounded by native bush bringing plenty of local Tui, Weka and fantail to the cottage...
What makes this property unique
Private and secluded whilst only 10 minutes drive to Russell Village.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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