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).