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Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views

Russell vacation home with kitchen

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Interior
Exterior
2 bedrooms, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Beach nearby, beach towels

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

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

Room options

About the neighborhood

Russell

Seaside stay .With a stay at this Russell vacation home, you'll be steps from Tapeka Point Historic Reserve and a 5-minute walk from Bay of Islands. Also, Tapeka Point is within half a mile (1 km) and Flagstaff Hill is within 2 miles (3 km).
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What's nearby

  • Tapeka Point Historic Reserve - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Flagstaff Hill - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Lookout - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Russell Beach - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Russell Christ Church - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Breeze Cafe - ‬31 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views

Villa Du Fresne is spacious, private and fully self-contained.

There are up to two large guest rooms each with ensuite bathroom and all rooms have uninterrupted sea views. There is only 1 booking per date so you will always have the whole space to yourself no matter your party make up - Please see note regarding guest and room allocation per rate.

The lounge and bedrooms lead onto a glassed terrace with fully opening sliding doors, where you can relax and watch the ever changing ocean panorama.

The waterfront location assures guests a relaxed stay in delightful surroundings with the sound of waves gently breaking on the beach.

Unwind, relax and share in this special piece of paradise

Special conditions:
Please note that due to the property being on a cliff above the beach, the property is not suitable for children under 10 years.

One or two bedroom and bathrooms as required/requested. As a rule - 2 guests have access to one bedroom with ensuite, 3-4 guests have access to 2 bedrooms and 2 ensuites etc. Additional charges may apply if you require different configurations, please let us know.

Smoking is not permitted in any of the indoor areas of the property including the enclosed glass terrace

Sorry, We do not accept arrivals on Christmas Day.

Bed Linen and towels included in rate

Similar properties

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Russell
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 937 reviews
$79 nightly
The price is $92
Jun 5 - Jun 6
Total with taxes and fees
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 private bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean

Things to do

  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Absolute Waterfront With Privacy Views
Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views Tapeka Point

Frequently asked questions

How close is Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views to the airport?

This vacation home is 25 mi (56-min drive) away from the Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views to the beach?

This vacation home is 1.2 mi (4-min drive) from Russell Beach and 1.8 mi (6-min drive) from Long Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views to downtown Russell?

This vacation home is 0.1 mi away from Tapeka.

Absolute waterfront - with privacy and views Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
My parents thoroughly enjoyed their stay here, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The location was beautiful as was the house. A very relaxing and enjoyable stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fintan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sold on its view - it didn’t disappoint - stunning!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Youenn T.

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

Great place!!

Very nice house, we really enjoyed the view, and the fireplace!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danilyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, comfortable house in the perfect location. We’ve rented many places with amazing views over the years and this one beats them all. Absolutely spectacular view of the Bay of Islands!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nigel K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent stay. The listing is accurate and the house is well equipped. It's not new or modern but the furniture and beds are really comfortable. The view is much more impressive than the pictures show. We were treated to a pod of dolphins swimming by in the evening of our final day.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian H.

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

Top location

Place was clean and tidy with everything you need as well as extras. Location is perfect right on the beach with excellent, uninterrupted views.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

hester J.

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

Great views

Fabulous enclosed balcony. Would definitely revisit.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea B.

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

Summer Holiday Stay

We enjoyed all the amenities for our summer holiday stay! Even though the weather wasn’t great the home was beautiful and allowed a relaxing stay regardless. Great views, a bookshelf library and quick drives to local activities was excellent. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Victor M.

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

Lovely and romantic

My wife and I honeymooned in New Zealand 30 years ago and decided to return to celebrate our 30th anniversary. The Dufresne Villa was well situated with outstanding views. The accomodations were excellent, with easy access to Russell, and Pahia via the ferry. We loved our stay and strongly recommend it, especially for those in love like us.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve V.

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

Breathtaking Views

The location, setting, and view are amazing. One beach right in front of you, another one a short walk away. Really nice hiking trail to Russell through rainforest-like foliage with handy interpretive signs along the way. Really roomy place with everything you need.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lynn g.

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

Spectacular View

The property is perfectly situated, very private snd just a short drive from Russell. The LR and BRs offer a panoramic a view of the ocean. A four minute walk away is a sandy beach for swimming. I could not be more pleased.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara Y.

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

Absolutly stunning!

We had such a reat time here. 40th get away with my partner. Fishing was amazing, views very distracting, amazing wildlife, fire to keep us warm at night. Sky TV when and if u pull urself away from views. Bed was super comfy, fully set up for a long stay. I highly recommend if ur truly into an east coast fishing an adventure/beachfront relaxing environment. Money well spent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

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

A great experience

Super position & location, which met all our expectations, especially being 2nd time renters. Highly recommended. Steve
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David C.

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

Aweome location

A bit of a ugly duckling but stunning views and location. Very comfortable and well equipped. Recommended.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

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

A wow experience

A super well appointed, very clean property, in a great location with stunning views. We will definitely be back. Thank you Kelly for making the Check-in process so easy, thru regular updates. Cheers, Steve
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Jo T.

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

Wow! What a view!

We were very happy with the accommodation. It had all you needed and the view is spectacular. We would definatley stay there again for much longer next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaime R.

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

Spectacular!

This property was perfect for a long weekend away. It is private and the views are absolutely spectacular. Everything we needed was provided and the house is well set-up. The place was very clean and tidy and the bed was comfortable. We enjoyed our stay here a lot and will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

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

The view is stellar

Walk into the home and you're captured by the ocean vista. Sit down on the patio and you calculate how you can buy the property next door. House was clean, beds very comfortable and location quiet and private. The short Tapeka Track is right outside the door and takes you to another stunning vista. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo J.

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

Exceeded expectations

Breathtaking ocean view, lovely home, well furnished, excellent communication with the property manager, easy check-in. This was the most beautiful and luxurious accommodation we booked during our month in New Zealand. Had we known how great it would be, we'd have booked it for longer. Would definitely go back!!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denelda B.

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

Beautiful one day, perfect the next.

The location is perfect and the house was perfect for our group of 3 couples. The view is to die for - we even saw orcas passing one day. We enjoyed swimming at Tapeka Point every day. The house was perfectly equipped for when we wanted to stay in and close to everything when we wanted to go out. We would all go back in a flash given a chance.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia W.

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

Bay of Islands

Beautiful property! Amazing location!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle and Katie K.

Amazing stay!! Just perfect!

Amazing stay!! Just perfect! Kelly is a great host, the house has every you would need and the location is too good!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki C.

Absolutely loved it! Would stay again.

Great location. Spacious and comfortable bedrooms. Fantastic views. Good kitchen and bathrooms with nice water pressure.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Michael L.

The view and location is absoloutly fantastic.

The view and location is absoloutly fantastic. Would def stay again. The decor isn't really to my taste, and i didn't like the main shower, but everything was clean and there were some nice touches like the nespresso machine, sky tv, fire place, and digital piano. Was really nice being so close to the water and sleeping/waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. I very much recommend if you like the look of the pictures on here.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025