CRAB SHACK COTTAGE
RUSSELL HOLIDAY HOME
Your ideal holiday rental accommodation in Russell, Bay of Islands
Situated an easy, completely flat 300-metre walk from the Russell Wharf, Crab Shack Cottage is a beautifully updated four-bedroom, three-bathroom colonial-style Russell holiday home that sleeps 8 guests comfortably. Located directly opposite the shared resort swimming pool and hot tub complex, Crab Shack Cottage offers premium accommodation for families and groups. The villa features two spacious ensuite master bedrooms, seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces, a dedicated on-site EV charger, full air conditioning, and effortless access to the very best of the Bay of Islands.
Historic Colonial Villa Charm Meets Modern Convenience
Crab Shack Cottage (formerly known as Capital Cottage) offers the perfect Bay of Islands getaway for families and groups wanting space, comfort, and a premium location in the heart of Russell. Proudly part of the premier Russell Cottages collection at 16 Chapel Street, this beautifully appointed colonial-style holiday home combines relaxed coastal charm with modern amenities.With four spacious bedrooms, including two master bedrooms with private ensuites plus a full family bathroom, there is plenty of equitable room for extended families, couples travelling together, or wedding groups. Tucked away in a quiet tree-lined setting, yet just a short flat stroll from Kororāreka / Russell Beach and the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, this beautiful Russell holiday home serves as your ultimate base for exploring Northland.
CENTRAL LOCATION
The perfect place to relax in Russell
Four Bedrooms
Comfortably sleeps 8 guests in a spacious, family-friendly layout.
Three
Bathrooms
Includes two ensuites and one full family bathroom with a tub.
EV
Charger
Dedicated on-site electric vehicle charger available on request.
Gas
Fire & AC
Cozy fireplace for winter nights and heat-pump air conditioning for summer comfort.
Pool
and Hot Tub
Free year-round access to the heated swimming pool and resort spa complex.
Gourmet Kitchen
Fully equipped modern kitchen, perfect for self-catering family nights in.
Premium Resort Amenities & Central Russell Location
Designed for year-round comfort, our premium holiday villa features full heat-pump air conditioning, a cozy ambient gas fireplace, cooling ceiling fans, USB charging points, a full private laundry, and a dedicated on-site EV charging station. A standout highlight is the private, sheltered outdoor dining and entertaining courtyard, the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Northland.
Resort Pool & Hot Tub Access: Located directly across the driveway from the shared complex, guests enjoy seamless access to the year-round heated swimming pool, hot tub spa, two large BBQs, changing rooms, toilets, and a poolside kitchenette complete with a commercial ice maker.
A Flat 300m Walk to the Waterfront: Set in the highly sought-after, level terrain of the Russell Basin, the cottage is just a completely flat 300-metre stroll to the historic Russell Wharf. Along the way, you can stop for coffee, brunch, or artisan gelato at local favorites including Hell Hole Café, Butterfish and The Nauti Penguin.
Explore the Bay of Islands: From the wharf, you can easily access passenger ferries, corporate fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and scenic island tours. Stroll the sunny waterfront promenade, soak up the rich heritage of New Zealand’s first historic capital, and enjoy a vibrant mix of boutique galleries, artisan cafes, and local bars. Finish your day with spectacular sunset drinks overlooking the water at the iconic The Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Whether you are planning a multi-generational family summer holiday, a corporate fishing trip, boutique wedding guest accommodation, or a relaxing winter coastal escape, Crab Shack Cottage serves as the ultimate luxury base to experience the very best of Russell and the Bay of Islands.
ABOUT CRABSHACK COTTAGE
A Premium Russell Holiday Home That Sleeps 8 Guests
The cottage features
Spacious Group Layout: Holiday house layout that sleeps 8 guests comfortably.
Modern Upgrades: Beautifully updated historic style colonial character villa with relaxed coastal interiors.
Modern Amenities: Smart TV, cooling ceiling fans, and high-speed USB charging sockets in all bedrooms.
Indoor & Outdoor Dining: Large indoor dining table for 8, plus an excellent, private outdoor living area located off the driveway. Features a wrap-around veranda deck and outdoor dining for 8.
Bedroom Configuration - sleeps 8
Bedroom 1 (Ground Floor Master): Premium Super King bed with an ensuite bathroom.
Bedroom 2 (Upstairs Master): Comfortable Queen bed featuring French windows that open onto a private balcony, with a private ensuite bathroom.
Bedroom 3 (Upstairs Bedroom): Light-filled Queen bed featuring French windows and its own private balcony access, with easy access to the main family bathroom.
Bedroom 4 (Upstairs Twin Room): Two single beds with a cooling ceiling fan, ideal for children or family groups.
Family Bathroom: A full, modern bathroom complete with a soaking tub and shower amenities.
Resort Complex Amenities
Heated Pool & Hot Tub: Free, year-round access to the shared resort swimming pool and hot tub spa complex.
Poolside Kitchenette: Access to the pool house facility equipped with commercial ice makers, changing rooms, and guest toilets.
Outdoor Dining & BBQs: Features two hooded BBQs and sheltered dining spaces in the pool house, perfect for family dinners and group socialising.
Children's Playground: An on-site playground area, making it perfect for families traveling with young kids.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Access to the shared resort-wide free Wi-Fi network. While it is not ultra-high-speed fiber, it provides convenient connectivity for foreign travellers checking emails and families staying connected.
Parking & Boat Accessibility
Dedicated Vehicle Parking: Two secure, dedicated on-site car parks located directly by the cottage.
On-Site Boat Parking: Two shared, spacious boat parks available within the complex grounds on a convenient first-come, first-served basis.
Boating Base: Our level ground terrain and close proximity to the local Russell boat ramp make this the ultimate accommodation base for fishing trips and boating holidays in the Bay of Islands.
Inside Crab Shack Cottage: Floor Plan & Layout
Spacious Ground Floor: Features an expansive open-plan layout with a modern gourmet kitchen, a dining area that seats 8 guests, and a comfortable lounge equipped with full heat-pump air conditioning and a cozy ambient gas fireplace. Multiple French doors open out seamlessly to your private, wrap-around veranda deck and outdoor dining space.
Downstairs Master & Utilities: Includes the ground floor Master Bedroom featuring a premium Super King bed, a separate guest bathroom and toilet, and a fully equipped laundry facility.
Upstairs Family Living: A bright, air-conditioned landing leads to three generous bedrooms and an integrated study nook.
Upstairs Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Comprises one Queen bedroom with a private ensuite bathroom, a second Queen bedroom with balcony access, and a Twin room with two single beds. A large, central family bathroom features a full soaking bathtub and modern shower.
Group Travel & Large Event Accommodation
Need more space for an upcoming event? Crab Shack Cottage is proudly situated within the premier Russell Cottages resort complex on Chapel Street. If you are organizing a large-scale family reunion, a corporate retreat, or boutique wedding guest accommodation near the Russell Wharf, our villa serves as the ultimate anchor base. Because we are part of a shared collective of 17 colonial-style holiday homes, we can easily coordinate across the complex to help you book multiple neighboring cottages, allowing your entire group to stay together while enjoying the shared heated pool, hot tub, and playground facilities.
OUR LOCATION
Located in 'The Basin', central Russell
Premium Central Russell Location
Crab Shack Cottage is proudly located at 3 / 16 Chapel Street within 'The Basin' right in the heart of central Russell. Guests enjoy a completely flat 300-metre walk (an easy 4-minute stroll) directly to the historic Russell Wharf and waterfront strand. Along this scenic, level route, you will pass vibrant local boutique shops, artisan cafes, gelato stalls, and popular local eateries.
Ferry Transport & Driving Directions
The Opua Car Ferry (Driving from Auckland): If you are driving up from Auckland or Whangārei, the easiest access route is via the Northland Ferries Opua Car Ferry. The shuttle ferry departs approximately every 10 minutes throughout the day, and every 20 minutes in the early mornings and late evenings. The Opua ferry terminal sits a short 7-minute drive from Paihia, and the Okiato landing point is an easy, scenic 10-minute drive straight into Russell. See more here.
The Paihia Passenger Ferry (Walk-on Travellers): For walk-on passengers, regular passenger ferries travel continuously directly between the Paihia Wharf and the Russell Wharf. Sailing timetables switch seasonally between summer and winter schedules, providing effortless pedestrian access across the bay for day trips, evening dining, and island sightseeing. See more here and view a schedule here.
THINGS TO DO
Explore In and Around Russell & The Bay of Islands
Dining & Restaurants Nearby
There are many exceptional, world-class dining options within an easy, completely flat walking distance of Crab Shack Cottage, as well as premium regional vineyards just a short drive away:
On-Water Marine Activities & Island Cruising
Because the cottage sits just a 4-minute flat walk from the main pier, you enjoy effortless access to the full spectrum of marine adventures. Discover dolphin and whale watching tours, iconic Hole in the Rock trips, and scenic Bay of Islands cruises hosted by elite local operators. For an extra special day trip, catch the passenger ferry over to the predator-free paradise of Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Here, you can spend the day swimming in crystal-clear waters, hiring kayaks and paddleboards, hiking panoramic island ridgelines, and enjoying casual beachfront dining before cruising home to your luxury villa base. Check out Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for something extra special.
Russell & Bay of Islands Attractions
Pompallier Mission and Printery: pompallier.co.nz
A historic 19th-century mission where you can see traditional bookbinding and leather tanning.
Russell Museum: russellmuseum.org.nz
Local history museum featuring a 1/5th scale model of Captain Cook’s ship, the Endeavour.
Christ Church Russell: oldchurch.org.nz
New Zealand's oldest surviving church, still showing musket holes from the 1845 Battle of Kororāreka.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds: waitangi.org.nz
The nation's most significant historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed.
Duke of Marlborough Hotel: theduke.co.nz
A landmark waterfront hotel and restaurant holding New Zealand’s very first liquor license.
Flagstaff Hill (Maiki Hill): doc.govt.nz
A historic hilltop reserve offering panoramic 360-degree views over the Bay of Islands.
Tapeka Point Track: doc.govt.nz
A short coastal hike to a headland with spectacular ocean vistas and potential dolphin sightings.
Hole in the Rock Cruises: dolphincruises.co.nz
A popular boat tour that takes you out to the iconic rock archway at the edge of the bay.
R. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship: tucker.co.nz
A traditional gaff-rigged schooner where you can experience authentic tall ship sailing.
Urupukapuka Island Walk: doc.govt.nz
A major 5-hour loop track around a stunning island recreation reserve and wildlife sanctuary.
Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track: doc.govt.nz
A short climb to a famous lookout over two picturesque lagoons and turquoise water.
Moturua Island Walk: doc.govt.nz
A 2.5-hour loop through native bush and four different secluded swimming beaches.
Island Ferry (Explore Group): exploregroup.co.nz
The primary passenger ferry service for accessing the outer islands and wildlife cruises.
Russell Nature Walks (Kiwi Walk): facebook/russellnaturewalks
A guided night tour in a private reserve to see and hear wild North Island Brown Kiwi and glow worms.
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Crab Shack Cottage Reviews
10 / 10 - Kelly, New Zealand
"Great bach in amazing condition. Has everything you'd need. Perfect location for walking everywhere. Pool and hot tub are also fantastic for the kids."
10 / 10 - Marcus, Australia
"Exceptional."
5 Stars - Google
Dot, New Zealand
"Such a fabulous Cottage to rent. We loved our ensuite bathroom, the pool, spa pool and BBQ area which all put us right in holiday mode. We also enjoyed the easy stroll to Russell waterfront with all the bars and cafes that is on offer! Such an easy place to stay, we will be back to visit again soon."
5 Stars - Google
Maegan, New Zealand
"Fabulous place to stay! Travelled to Northland for a work trip with 4 couples, More room than we needed. The pool and spa are great and so close to this property. 10/10 can’t wait to stay again."
5 Star - AirBnB June 2026
Aaron
"Lovely place to stay. Flat walk to all the eateries. Very comfortable for 3 couples. Would recommend."
5 Star - Google
Phil, NZ
We had a fantastic stay in Russell, the cottage is in an amazing central location making it super easy to walk to all the cafes and shops on the flat. It was a great experience and we would love to come back and stay again.
5 Star - Google
Hamish, NZ
Had a wonderful time at Crab Shack cottage. The facilities not only in the house but also in the complex were amazing. Beautiful, heated pool with adjoining BBQ area. The house was very comfortable with lovely furnishings and amenities. Would totally recommend staying here.
TBC
More reviews to follow...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay at Crab Shack Cottage?
Crab Shack Cottage comfortably sleeps up to 8 guests, making it the perfect self-catering holiday home for families, large groups, or wedding parties visiting Russell. The spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom colonial villa layout includes two master bedrooms with private ensuites downstairs and upstairs, a full family bathroom with a soaking tub, and generous open-plan indoor and outdoor dining spaces for 8 people.
How far is Crab Shack Cottage from Russell Wharf?
We are located in 'The Basin' in central Russell, which is a completely flat 300-metre walk (about a 4-minute stroll) to the historic Russell Wharf and waterfront promenade. Along the flat route, you will pass local favorites like Hell Hole Café and The Nauti Penguin, making our cottage ideal for multi-generational families or guests traveling with young children or prams who want to avoid steep hills.
Is Crab Shack Cottage suitable for families?
Yes. Crab Shack Cottage is ideal for families, offering four bedrooms, three bathrooms, plenty of indoor and outdoor living space, a heated swimming pool, spa pool and convenient access to Russell's beaches and attractions.
Does Crab Shack Cottage have a pool and spa pool?
Yes, the cottage sits directly opposite the shared resort swimming pool and hot tub complex, heated year-round. Guests enjoy easy access to BBQs, changing facilities, and a poolside kitchenette.
Is there parking and space for cars and boats?
Yes, on-site parking is available. The cottage includes two dedicated car parks and access to two shared boat parks on a first-come, first-served basis, making it an excellent base for boating and the property is boat-friendly with the local Russell boat ramp located nearby for easy Bay of Islands access.
Is Crab Shack Cottage a good base for exploring the Bay of Islands?
Absolutely. Located in the heart of Russell, Crab Shack Cottage provides easy access to boating, fishing, island cruises, dolphin watching, snorkelling, beaches, walking tracks and many of the Bay of Islands' most popular attractions.
What are the best beaches near Crab Shack Cottage?
Long Beach is one of Russell's most popular beaches and is just a short walk or drive from the cottage. Visitors enjoy swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, beach walks and stunning views across the Bay of Islands.
Is Crab Shack Cottage suitable for wedding guests attending events at The Duke of Marlborough?
Yes, it accommodates up to 8 guests across four bedrooms and is just a short flat walk from The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. Crab Shack Cottage is a popular choice for families and friends attending weddings and events at The Duke of Marlborough, offering spacious accommodation with a short flat walk to the waterfront and wedding venues.
What activities can I enjoy during my stay in Russell?
Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, snorkelling, diving, dolphin cruises, island-hopping, beach days at Long Beach, coastal walks to Flagstaff Hill and Tapeka Point, waterfront dining and exploring the historic village of Russell.
Are restaurants and cafés within walking distance?
Yes. Crab Shack Cottage is within easy walking distance of many popular Russell cafés, restaurants and bars, making it easy to enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner without needing to drive.
Is there Wi-Fi available at Crab Shack Cottage?
Yes, guests at Crab Shack Cottage have access to the complex's free Wi-Fi network. While it is not an ultra-high-speed connection, it offers excellent and convenient connectivity for foreign travellers needing to stay in touch and families browsing the web during their holiday in Russell.
Crab Shack Cottage Russell Holiday Rental
Ideal for weddings, large groups and families. 300 m from Russell Wharf.
Cottage 3
16 Chapel Street, Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand 0202
Email 3crabshack@gmail.com
Phone +64 27 576 5476
