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

Welcoming host, very clean and well equipped apartment.

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.

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.

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.