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

Welcoming host, very clean and well equipped apartment.

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.

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.

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.

Unique, spacious, private, peaceful and we had excellent communication with the owner Alan. Highly recommend this property

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.

Huge apartment in a great location, host was super helpful!