Located on North Island, Russell is highly regarded for being New Zealand’s first seaport. It’s also the first place where Europeans settled and is home to the country’s first capital, Okiato. As you walk through Russell’s streets, take note of how they are laid out and have hardly changed since 1843. Head to the waterfront where you’ll find Duke of Marlborough Hotel. This is the first hotel, bar and restaurant to get its licence in New Zealand. A four-minute stroll away along The Strand will bring you to another historic attraction, Pompallier Mission and Printery. Here, you’ll see a 19th-century printing press that produced thousands of prayer books in the Maori language, an incredible achievement at that time. Complete your escape to this historic town by staying in comfortable accommodations. Read on to find the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Russell, New Zealand.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 28, 2025.
1. Takapu Cottage (from USD 1572)
You can enjoy a host of lovely features at Takapu Cottage. This spacious rental comes with a private balcony as well as a separate lounge and dining area. The rental also features a swimming pool and a relaxing spa pool. There’s a barbecue area on-site so that you and your group can enjoy a meal of your grilled favourites outdoors.
Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout this rental. Additionally, free driveway parking is also offered by the host.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.08 km (10.7 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesSuperhost
Accommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Location:
great location in the middle of russellcentral and beautifully keptgreat location really spacious house in a fabulous locationgreat location and facilities top notchlovely house good location ideal size for family and good cooking facilitiesCleanliness:
place was clean and tidyfacilities were good and clean if a little datedreally clean very comfortable lots of room and perfectly positioned for russellRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we enjoyed the heated pool and spakids spent a lot of time in the fabulous heated pool
2. The Sails (from USD 253)
Children and pets are not allowed at this rental, which can accommodate up to two adults. Each of the two bedrooms comes with a king-sized bed. Additional pillows and blankets are provided too. A smoke alarm and fire extinguisher will help to keep you safe. You’ll also have access to free Wi-Fi and parking. You can choose to park your vehicle on the premises or on the street.
You can relax on the patio or balcony and have a barbecue in the garden.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.46 km (10.9 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host was so friendly and helpfuljoan and vivian were also great hosts :)perfect hosts with everything one needs for a relaxing stayjoan was very helpful giving us a little tour before checking injoan was a great host and the place itself was perfect - location and everythingLocation:
great location short walk down to the villagegreat comfy place a short distance out of the central villagethe location is fantastic: the surroundings are beautiful and the location is privategood location for exploring bay of islandsloved the location and would love to come againCleanliness:
very clean and well presented spaceabsolutely beautiful place immaculately cleanvery clean and great viewsa lovely clean and stylish place in a wonderful locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
amazing view of russell wharf from the apartmentvery comfortable unit with a wonderful viewreally comfortable and nice outside space with viewsfabulous spacious very comfortable and awesome viewsvery comfortable studio with a 5-star view excellent communication from joan
3. Blue Penguin Cottage (from USD 146)
Blue Penguin Cottage is an independent rental that is set within a larger development called Russell Cottage Complex. This means that some facilities are shared among all guests. These facilities comprise a pool, hot tub and barbecue area.
On the ground floor of this two-storey cottage, you’ll find an open-plan living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a laundry area. The rest of the bedrooms and bathrooms are located upstairs.
The cottage also comes with a deck and a private garden.
Russell, Northland, New Zealand
16.97 km (10.6 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
olivia is an amazing host on top of thatgreat host very comfortable accommodationolivia is a great host highly recommend staying hereolivia was very helpful in terms of instructionsexcellent facilities very welcoming and hospitable hostsLocation:
perfectly located only a short walk from the townamazing location in the middle of town and a few steps to all restaurants and cafesthe location is amazing being 3 minutes walk from russellit is a perfect locationgood location and easy walk to shops restaurant and ferryCleanliness:
clean and well appointed cottagevery clean and tidy with everything we neededthe house is super comfortable and very cleanpool was a great plus - clean and warmgreat hosts clean tidy and right in the centre of townRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
nice private sunny outdoor space with tables at the cottage as well as the communal bbq/poolhouse areathe pool is a good size and the jacuzzi was awesomefantastic little cottage and lovely facilities
4. Spacious home for family-friendly fun (from USD 441)
You’ll be greeted by native trees when you arrive at this single-level rental, which is located in a cul-de-sac. The sleeping options here will suit a group of nine guests. The kitchen, living and dining areas are spacious and follow an open-plan layout. Do note that you’ll need to bring your own bed linens as well as bath and beach towels.
There’s additional space to relax on the front deck. Additionally, you can enjoy free parking here.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.29 km (10.8 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
highly recommend it and the great hostvery helpful and accommodating hostjulanne was a wonderful host with great communicationhosts were friendly and all communication was quick and easythere’s really nothing that this host hasn’t thought of to make your stay perfectLocation:
perfect location near the central of russellcomfortable place in convenient locationlovely house in a close location to russell townlovely house in a fantastic locationwhat a beautiful place with the best locationRead more reviewsCleanliness:
great house - well equipped super clean and spaciousspacious comfortable and very cleanloved this airbnb; beautiful decor super clean and very comfortableclean great styling comfortable beds and everything you need for a stay away from homehouse and decks very well appointed spacious very clean handy to waterfront perfect for our extended family group
5. Cooinda (from USD 698)
You’ll have wonderful views of the waterfront from this house, which is set on a hill. In fact, the views inspired the interior decor, which follows a maritime theme. You can enjoy the view from the decks that are attached to each bedroom. There is lots of space for everyone in your group to mingle. And for those who like privacy, there are nooks to relax in.
You can prepare your meals in the fully equipped, open-plan kitchen.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.4 km (10.9 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
super responsive hostwould happily stay again olivia was great host and made our stay hassle freeLocation:
easy walk into the town really private locationthere are wonderful walking bush tracks near the house which are highly recommendedwhat a piece of paradise and the best place for a romantic getawayit is a very steep but manageable walk up from charmingthe location is superb and the views breathtakingCleanliness:
the home is extremely clean and comfortablebeautiful view and very clean and comfortable placeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the photos of this accommodation only hint at the exceptional views and facilities of this beautiful homewe loved the layout of the house the magnificent views from every room and the stylish furnitureolivia leaves milk and cereals for breakfast and there's coffee tea and the likethis is a stunning and comfortable home
6. A Noble View (from USD 579)
Your sleeping options at this rental comprise queen-sized beds in two of the bedrooms and two single beds in the third bedroom. All sleeping spaces come with screens to ensure that insects do not find their way in. This rental has a fully equipped kitchen and a barbecue.
You can enjoy your meals on the deck, which features a seating area from where you can enjoy views of the harbour. This rental space is located on the top floor, which is exclusive to you.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.39 km (10.9 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
would recomend this lovely spot and hoststhe hosts had a great notebook with clear instructions and suggestionsmarion and her husband are great hostsmarion was an amazing host and we would definitely stay againour hosts were friendly and we had good communicationLocation:
good location and convenientgreat location with a short walk to down (though down a decent hill)fabulous location and welcoming homewe were very happy staying here and it is super close to the quaint town centersuch a stunning location and we loved going to sleep with the sound of kiwi’sCleanliness:
the house is spacious super clean and comfortablethe house is very spacious and check in and communication was flawlessa lovely house it is very comfortable nice cleanthis is a lovely spot and a beautiful large house perfectly cleanamazing stay the best views you could ask for really clean great locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
fantastic facilities view and hostcomfortable bedrooms and a very spacious living room with a gorgeous viewthe view is amazing the couches so comfortable you won't want to leavekitchen very well stocked and they even had some starter coffee and milk for the large french pressgreat location beautiful view and a supremely comfortable stay
7. Henipapa & Wetekia (from USD 1875)
If you are travelling with a large group, you can split accommodations across these two houses. You’ll get a total of five double bedrooms, one room with bunk beds, two kitchens and three bathrooms. You’ll also have access to two barbecues as well so you can take turns hosting each other for fun grilling sessions.
You’ll need to make sure that everyone in your group has received at least two vaccinations against COVID-19 as bookings will only be accepted if this criterion is met. Exceptions can be made for individuals who are not eligible for these vaccinations.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.32 km (10.8 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 16
Top guest reviews
Host:
james is a fabulous host excellent communication directions & general helpfulnessstarting from the first enquiry to arriving and while there james has been so helpfulLocation:
a fabulous house in a stunning location overlooking the bay and an easy walk along into the villagethis is a great site close to russell town and well set up for a large familygreat house lots of room short walk to town make it really easy thanks againRead more reviewsCleanliness:
close to town clean and great for groupsawesome place nicely cleaned and alot of space for a group of 13
8. The Gables Waterfront Apartment (from USD 856)
For entering this apartment, you’ll need to walk through a private courtyard. To elevate your experience here even further, you’ll be staying in a refurbished historic building. There are French doors in the living, dining and kitchen areas, which lead to a balcony. There is a king-sized bed in one bedroom. The other bedroom has two single beds that can be joined to form one large bed.
You have access to the whole apartment except for some storage cupboards that are locked.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
16.82 km (10.5 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
kelly is a fantastic hostthe owners did a great job on the renovationkelly was a lovely host with great communicationkind regards peter and neville australiaLocation:
central in town and easy walk to everythingperfect location and a great staybrilliant stay and awesome locationbeautiful location & place to staya perfect location and a beautifully appointed placeCleanliness:
super clean and beautiful apartmentspotlessly clean and thoughtfully furnishedvery cleanwould highly recommend this place so handy to everything clean and tidy with very comfortable bedsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
modern fit and kitchenapartment is really lovely and as per photos shownloads of room comfy furniture and we loved sitting on the little porch out the frontwe had four nights at the gables apartment and simply loved every minute of it
9. Paradise on The Strand (from USD 229)
This suite is located on the upper floor of a private property, so you won’t be able to host any visitors during your stay here. To get to the suite, you’ll need to walk up or down a spiral staircase made of marble. You’ll have everything you need in this suite, which comes with a bedroom, balcony and bathroom. The dining area features a lounge, which has a Smart TV, record player and telescope.
There’s also a kitchenette where you can prepare simple meals as it only has a microwave, with no hot plate or stove available.
Far North District, Northland, New Zealand
17.0 km (10.6 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Host:
karen was a superb host the breakfasts she provided were fantastic and she was very friendly and knowledgeablekaren is a very kind host and the home is greatshe was friendly and not intrusivegreat host with excellent breakfast ingredientskaren was an awesome hostLocation:
we particularly enjoyed the location of the propertykaren was fantastic and the location was perfectamazing location right on the waterfrontthe central location was ideal for walking around the shops and exploring russellkaren was an awesome hostess and the location of the property was spectacularCleanliness:
very clean tidy place and karen was lovely and friendlyour private space upstairs via a spiral staircase was spotlessly clean and well equippedplace is comfortable clean and has everything you needkaren's breakfast very special and the apartment very clean and more than comfortablekaren was an amazing host the apartment was spotless and very comfortableRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the delicious breakfasts were a treatwe were blown away with the beautiful view and the delicious breakfastgreat amenities scrumptious fruit and home made continental breakfasts and freshly baked breadkaren’s bed and breakfast is simply lovely the location and view couldn’t be betterthe fresh fruit salad for breakfast was delicious and was presented differently each day
10. Russell Boathouse (from USD 281)
This home caters to holidaymakers and requires a stay of at least two nights. Your sleeping arrangements consist of a mix of two queen-sized beds, two single beds and one cot. For entertainment, you can make use of the Smart TV and Wi-Fi.
You’ll have access to the entire property. Some features are shared, including the garden, kayaks and a paddle board. Note that you will receive your arrival details via email.
Russell, Northland, New Zealand
17.06 km (10.7 mi) from Kawiti Glowworm CavesAccommodates: 7
Top guest reviews
Host:
zoe was very responsive and easy to deal withLocation:
great location on the watercomfortable bach in heavenly locationfab house perfect location highly recommenda great place in a superb locationlovely stay in an excellent locationCleanliness:
beautifully clean and easy and quick communicationa beautiful clean and comfortable homeplace was spotlessly clean crisp white bed linen and all the bits and pieces you needperfect spot super clean and well kitted outvery clean and tidy with all the amenitiesRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we enjoyed having the large outdoor table and chairs for outdoor diningexcellent location very comfortable home great views loved walking everywhere found great coffee & exceptional food
Roam through New Zealand's history in Russell
These Airbnb vacation rentals in Russell, New Zealand, offer all the comforts of home as you explore the many charms of this historic town. Pick the one that best suits your needs and prepare for a wonderful holiday in Russell.
History
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