In Russell .Within 6 miles (10 km) of this vacation home, you'll find Russell Beach and Long Beach. Paihia Beach is within 9 miles (15 km) and Elliot Bay's Beach is within 20 miles (32 km).
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Top House - unrivalled views and privacy
The Top House, so named because of its location, with 270 degree views, has unrivalled privacy, and it's own helipad. This recently renovated 3 bedroom house is located on 330 acres of private farmland. The house has been finished to a high standard, with excellent amenities, including hot tub with amazing views, outdoor dining and lounge spaces on 360 degree decks, WiFi, two TVs, heaps of parking, modern kitchen and luxury bathrooms, and comfortable stylish furniture throughout.
The Farm
The Top House is located on large family farm. There are no permanent occupants and while there maybe family holidaying in other houses on the farm the privacy of this location is excellent.
No Pets
There are Kiwi living on the property so we are unable to accept bookings with pets.
The Area
The village of Russell is located in the stunningly beautiful Bay of Islands. Russell is an historic place with buckets of character. It's home to several historic buildings, including NZ's oldest licenced premises, and an old wooden church still bearing musket bullet holes! Many of the historic buildings are right on the waterfront, and a walk along there is very atmospheric.
Further afield there are many picturesque spots around the Bay of Islands and lots of activities and day trips available.
Five fun activities in the area:
1. Explore the Russell village and sample great food from a range of different restaurants. 2. Check out the vineyards, both near Russell and the rest of the Bay of Islands. A lot of award winning wine is made in Northland. 3. Get out on the water - go see the Hole in the Rock, go game fishing, just head out to an island with a picnic and go swimming, or try para-sailing. 4. Go walking around Russell or further afield in the Bay of Islands. 5. Go to the beach - there are beautiful beaches just minutes from Russell.
Driving
The most convenient way to get to Russell is to take the car ferry from Opua to Okiato. It's a 5 minute drive to the Top House once you get off the ferry. The ferry is a 7 minute journey, and runs continuously from 6am - 10pm daily.
The whole house is for your exclusive use. You'll also have access to a garage.
This is a private house. There are other houses on the property which are well away from the Top House. These houses are not permanently occupied, but if anyone is in residence they'll stay out of your way during your stay. There is a contact number in case of any urgent requirements while you're there.
The Top House is handy to all local amenities while retaining a high degree of privacy. It's a 7 minute drive from Russell township, and 5 minutes from the Opua-Okiato car ferry. Omata Vineyard, which has great views, delicious wine, and casual eatery, is 3 minutes drive. Long Beach, a great sandy beach with excellent swimming is 10 minutes drive. If walking is your thing there's plenty of options both close by and further afield. Paihia is just across the water and can be accessed by car or passenger ferry.
You'll need a car to get to and from the Top House. There is a taxi service in Russell if you want a night out without worrying about driving. In peak summer holiday period the taxi service is extremely busy and bookings are essential. Call The Russell Cab - phone number is available online. This is the only taxi in Russell - Absolutely no pets – this is a conservation zone, and there are Kiwi on the property, so no pets, no exceptions. - Road gate must be kept closed at all times – this is a working farm. - No parties or events are permitted. - No loud noise after 10pm. - No shoes inside. - Smoking is not permitted inside or on any of the decks. - No commercial activity is permitted without permission from us. - You will be charged for any extra guests not on the booking. - You will be charged for any damage to the property during your stay. Where guests cause damage beyond normal wear and tear, you must inform us of the damage as soon as possible. - There are security cameras outside the house, but not inside the house. - Recycling must be separated from general rubbish - While cleaning fees are included in your rental, guests should not leave the property in a state that requires excessive or deep cleaning (mouldy dishes, soiled carpets, marks on the walls etc).
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 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
Children are welcome.
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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector 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
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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
285257
Frequently asked questions
How close is Top House - unrivalled views and privacy to the airport?
This vacation home is 21.7 mi (65-min drive) away from the Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Top House - unrivalled views and privacy have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Top House - unrivalled views and privacy to the beach?
This vacation home is 5.1 mi (27-min drive) from Russell Beach and 6.1 mi (34-min drive) from Long Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Top House - unrivalled views and privacy offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Top House - unrivalled views and privacy?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Top House - unrivalled views and privacy?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Top House - unrivalled views and privacy?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Top House - unrivalled views and privacy have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Top House - unrivalled views and privacy have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Top House - unrivalled views and privacy to downtown Russell?
This vacation home is 3.4 mi away from Russell.
Top House - unrivalled views and privacy Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Avril K.
Sep 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was amazing, we had a marvelous time.
Avril K.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cemone R., Wellington
Jun 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wow, what a beautiful house!
Incredibly comfortable, clean, private and peaceful with the most stunning views - this property is something special. The house was warm and welcoming when we arrived, the main living area was beautiful, bedrooms and beds very comfortable, a great bath and showers, and the fireplace and spa were amazing!!Communication with the host was excellent, and we enjoyed our stay so much we extended it by a couple of days! 1000 stars to match those we saw at night! We will be back :)
Cemone R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Virgil I.
Feb 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Waitangi Stay 2025
We stayed at Top House from 5th to 7th Feb 2025 (Waitangi), we were absolutely blown away with the property. it was clean and immaculate. the hosts went the extra mile with ensuring the Air con was on, arriving to a nice cool property and some supplies, which was grealt appreciated! We highly recommend this property, we are planning future stays here.