The 10 best hotels in Russell, New Zealand

August 11, 2022 Timmy Ribble

The seaside town of Russell is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. The area teems with a mash-up of indigenous and European history, evident in its architecture and historic sites. Sail around the bay on a chartered yacht or iconic tall ship or explore the multiple personalities of The Gables 1847, which has served as a bakery, bordello and shelter for AWOL sailors on the lam.
Restaurants in Russell

1. Duke of Marlborough Hotel

35 The Strand, Russell 0202 New Zealand
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1630 reviews

Duke of Marlborough Hotel

The Duke of Marlborough has been Refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827 and holds New Zealand’s first liquor license. The Duke, as it is affectionately known is located on the waterfront in the picturesque village of Russell in the stunning Bay of Islands and is a great place to recharge the batteries, catch up with friends or simply enjoy the moment. With easy access to an exciting array of activities or sipping a glass of wine on our balcony there is plenty to see or do. There are three levels of accommodation our waterfront rooms with views across the water to Waitangi Treaty grounds and Paihia, bigger family rooms when you need extra space or our convenient standard rooms. All rooms have their own en-suites, Sky TV, wifi accessibility and tea and coffee making facilities. With an award winning chef and restaurant manager the restaurant at The Duke focuses on a menu packed with fresh seasonal Northland produce. The bar has an extensive list of New Zealand wines and beers – something for everyone to enjoy while watching the sunset.

Us

Reviewed By 494reneem

The room was immaculate . Crisp clean sheets with such a comfy bed. The heating was so cosy. Our meal at the restaurant was lovely with superb customer service. I would definitely come again. Thank you ?

2. Hananui Lodge and Apartments

4 York Street, Russell 0242 New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 466 reviews

Hananui Lodge and Apartments

Welcome to the Hananui Lodge and Apartments! Hananui Lodge is located right on Russell's waterfront with unobstructed sea views and the Hananui Apartments are situated on Russell's main road, only 100 metres away from the water's edge. Whether you are looking for a romantic hideaway accommodation, a holiday of action and excitement, or somewhere special to take the family - Hananui Lodge and Apartments can accommodate your every need. Your Hosts, Kirstine and Shane are new to the area and will do all that they can to make you feel welcome, so much so that you won't want to return home.

Great Location

Reviewed By angelC3476SL

Fantastic location, so handy to everything and the waterfront is a minute walk away if that. Comfortable room and very quiet considering how central it is, although there was an outdoor fitness class right outside in the public area on our first night, but even they weren't that noisy, so not a problem.

3. Motel Russell

16 Matauwhi Road, Russell 0202 New Zealand
Excellent
60%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Motel Russell

Motel Russell is set in an acre of subtropical gardens within a gentle short stroll of Russell Village, beach, wharf, shops, museum and restaurants. It is the ideal accommodation for your Bay of Islands holiday – a place to relax away from the city noises amidst the song of birds. Motel Russell offers clean, affordable accommodation near Russell Village in the beautiful Bay of Islands, New Zealand. We have 15 rooms: studios, 1-bedroom units and 2-bedroom apartments. Motel Russell provides accommodation for families, couples, individuals, weddings, special events and groups. Free WiFi is available to all guests. Relax in our swimming pool and BBQ area. Your friendly, helpful hosts welcome you to Motel Russell - your home away from home.

Clean and comfortable.

Reviewed By Reynard1

We booked a King Studio. The room was of a good size. The bathroom was very good and looked like an 'accessible' bathroom. Plenty of room. The bed was large and comfortable. Everything was very clean which is great. Lovely crisp sheets. Small improvements however could make a big difference. Why would anyone still use one ply toilet paper? It just means everyone uses twice as much so no overall savings. No hair dryer or tissues which are pretty much standard these days. 'Penny pinching!' Also the room had a terribly put together table, come bench, come fridge and utility holder. It was a mess. No room for anything and a bit of a disaster DIY I expect. A chair is placed at each which assumes this is a table but no way could fit a plate in front of you. Hardly enough room to serve anything. No sink area which is my view is a significant hygiene issue as it means cups and glasses etc are washed in the bathroom hand basin. Small improvements could make a huge difference. For the price we expected better especially relative to other places where we have been staying.

4. Commodore's Lodge

The Strand, Russell 0202 New Zealand
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Commodore's Lodge

Welcome to Commodore's Lodge, your Russell “home away from home.” Commodore's Lodge aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Commodore's Lodge is a romantic motel offering a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a sofa in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as internet access is offered to guests. The motel features sun umbrellas, beach chairs, and outdoor furniture. Plus, guests can enjoy a pool and barbeque facilities, which have made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Russell. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. Russell has plenty of Italian restaurants. So when you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Hone's Garden and Bayside Restaurant and Bar, which are serving up some great dishes. If you’re looking for things to do, you can check out Flagstaff Hill (0.4 mi), Pompallier Mission and Printery (0.2 mi), or Christ Church (0.1 mi), which are popular attractions amongst tourists, and they are all within walking distance. Commodore's Lodge puts the best of Russell at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

Booking fail.

Reviewed By Wearenow

My Mother stayed here from 21 - 25 after a booking fail down the road prior. Over priced however close to the venue she was attending. Note to self > check all accommodation sites and fees before booking with this crowd.

5. Seaport Village

10 Chapel St, Russell 0202 New Zealand
Excellent
63%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Seaport Village

Seaport Village offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Located in the center of Russell township our fully self contained suites provides accessibility to wharf, galleries, beaches, restaurants, cafes, grocery store and only a 100 meters to the waters edge. Make Seaport Village your home and explore the Far North at your leisure with organized tours or take a walk to Long beach and enjoy the panoramic views of the islands in the bay whilst reading a book.

Perfect Spot

Reviewed By morecambegirl60

We stayed in Room 3 - a 1 bedroom suite for a 2 night stay. It was very spacious, and had lots of special touches. Really comfy bed and couch, high ceilings with ceiling fan. There was outside seating at both ends of the rooms - so morning and evening sun. A great place to stay.

6. Pipiroa Bay Homestay

348 Aucks Road Okiato Point, Russell 0272 New Zealand
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 16 reviews

Pipiroa Bay Homestay

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Russell, Pipiroa Bay Homestay is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Free wifi is offered to guests, and rooms at Pipiroa Bay Homestay offer a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a kitchenette. Guests of Pipiroa Bay Homestay are also welcome to enjoy a hot tub and barbeque facilities, located on site. For travelers arriving by car, free parking is available. Close to Christ Church (2.9 mi), a popular Russell landmark, Pipiroa Bay Homestay is a great destination for tourists. While in Russell, you may want to check out one of the nearby Asian restaurants, which include TukTuk Bangkok Thai Restaurant and Bayside Restaurant and Bar. Plus, during your trip, don’t forget to check out some of the popular historic sites, such as Flagstaff Hill and Pompallier Mission and Printery. Pipiroa Bay Homestay is sure to make your visit to Russell one worth remembering.

Perfect getaway

Reviewed By EstervK

Paula and Gary are the warmest people who make you feel oh so welcome. The apartment was huge, had everything we needed and a big deck with an amazing view. We got lots of info about the area and borrowed their bikes to ride the lovely cycle track in opua. We also used the tinny to catch some fish right on our doorstep. The (optional) breakfast was delicious. The best place to stay in the bay of islands!!

7. Pukeko Nest

16 Te Akau Drive, Russell 0272 New Zealand
Pukeko Nest

8. Bellrock Lodge

22 Chapel Street, Russell 0202 New Zealand
Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 450 reviews

Bellrock Lodge

For the best views in Russell come to Bellrock Lodge. We are on the hill overlooking the bay and the lovely village of Russell. The village and wharf are only a 5 min stroll away. At Bellrock you will have luxury en-suite rooms with private entrance and French doors leading out of your room onto your private patio. Each room has: Android Smart TV, DVD player, Radio/CD, air conditioner, Nespresso Machine, fully equipped kitchenette and either twin beds (2 singles) or a super king. We have off street parking with EV Charging station and laundry facilities. Please note our rates are "room rate only", a breakfast Basket can be pre ordered.

Fantastic Room with a View

Reviewed By Lynne M

We stayed 3 nights here and WOW whats a fabulous room and view! The room was very spacious, even the bathroom was large with two sinks, and plenty of spaces to put your things. It was so well equipped, there was nothing they did not provide, they have thought of every scenario and provided what you would need. I loved that there was two luggage racks so you didn’t have bags on the chairs. Very comfortable chairs, dining table and outdoor seating, also with the addition of two comfy loungers. There was a very large comfy bed, and you could pull the curtains in the morning and look at the beautiful view. The view was stunning from the deck and we spent many hours sipping wine and taking in the view. There was also a laundry you could use next to our unit. The location was excellent, right in Russell town, there was an uphill walk up the short drive, and like 2 minutes walk and you were in town. Its such a beautiful place Russell on a nice day. The hosts lived upstairs and were very friendly and helpful!

9. Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park

5960 Russell Whakapara Road, Russell 0272 New Zealand
Excellent
54%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 171 reviews

Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park

One of the few places in New Zealand where you can have close encounters with kiwi and weka in their natural environment. Affordable accommodation options in a picturesque setting. From privately situated fully self contained bungalows through to cabins for families and couples, the accommodation at this award winning Holiday Park features decks to make the most of the relaxed indoor/outdoor living opportunities of a sunny climate. Choose your own spacious powered or unpowered camp site and enjoy facilities which include a swimming pool, playground, outdoor games, fish smokehouse, BBQ areas, campfire, a free information and cruise/tour booking service and free boat parking. An enviro gold and four star Holiday Park and a central base from which you can explore Russell and the Bay of Islands. Adjacent to the Russell walkway and the Bay of Islands Full Circle Day Walk. Conveniently located to the Cape Brett Track, Te Araroa and the Kawakawa/Kaikohe cycle trail.

Beautiful birds in the bay of islands

Reviewed By 80beckiec

Not only a beautiful campsite with lovely facilities, but as a bird sanctuary guests have the chance to see native New Zealand birds right next to their tents! We had a family of weka and piwakawaka with us our whole stay. 10/10 would recommend - a real treasure

10. Villa Russell

2 Little Queen Street, Russell 0202 New Zealand
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 80 reviews

Villa Russell

Enjoy a welcoming visit to Villa Russell, two minutes from the beach and Russell's restaurants yet totally private and secluded. Relax with magnificent views of the bay from our beautifully restored 1910 villa or from one of two spacious guest rooms in the new guest cottage. Off street parking provided. Be welcomed by our friendly family dog. Continental breakfast with delicious local produce served al fresco on the balcony overlooking the sea Charters on our 11.6 metre yacht Kingfisher may also be arranged to sail the Bay of Islands.

Absolutely Recommend

Reviewed By RoamingGirlxx

Absolutely fabulous, this charming villa provides everything you can possibly need, beautifully decorated, immaculately clean, huge comfy bed, and a shower that just melted away all of life's stress, and on a cold night it was cosy and warm. Sue, our hostess couldn't have been more lovely, she obviously cares a great deal for her guests enjoyment and is incredibly good at what she does. The breakfast was a delight, as it was cold we were welcomed into her house and served beautiful homemade bread and preserves, cereal, fresh fruit and Yoghurt. We were thrilled with every aspect of our stay and would definitely recommend.

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