There is a distinct magic to a classic Bay of Islands holiday, but the secret to truly unlocking it lies in the art of easy living. While many regional travellers default to the busy transit lines of Paihia or Opua, seasoned visitors know that crossing the water to Russell delivers an entirely different pace of luxury.
To make your next coastal escape even more effortless, we are thrilled to announce that Crab Shack Cottage has just completed a premium dual-space upgrade, unveiling a brand-new designer kitchen and an upscale, high-capacity laundry facility.
Designed specifically for families, wedding groups, and fishing parties, these modern enhancements transform our character home into the ultimate self-contained sanctuary on the tranquil side of the bay.
A Culinary Haven for Food & Wine Lovers
Whether you are preparing a fresh catch from a day out on the water or setting up an afternoon grazing platter after an early morning walk along Long Beach, a great holiday always revolves around food and drink.Our completely reimagined kitchen brings modern, chef-level functionality into the heart of the cottage. Built to premium standards, the space now features high-end finishes tailored perfectly for long, social holiday lunches and effortless group catering:
Premium Smeg Cooking Suite: Cook with ultimate precision using our brand-new integrated Smeg gas hob, Smeg oven, and matching Smeg rangehood.
The Wine Lover's Touch: Keep your local Northland chardonnays and cellared syrahs at the absolute perfect serving temperatures with our new, built-in Baumatic dual-zone wine fridge.
Elegant Brushed Brass Finishes: The workspace features expansive, durable stone benchtops anchored by a striking brushed brass double sink and matching brushed brass tap, complete with an InSinkErator for seamless post-dinner cleanup.
Seamless Open-Plan Flow: The new layout connects beautifully with our indoor dining area, opening out directly onto the private wrap-around veranda for that quintessential Kiwi indoor-outdoor flow.
It is the perfect setup to truly "live like a chef" during your stay, blending boutique coastal charm with the high-end conveniences of a luxury home.
Effortless Post-Beach Cleanups: The New Laundry
No one likes to think about chores while on holiday, but when you’re dealing with beach towels, salty dive gear, or fine wedding attire, having premium facilities changes everything.
We have stripped out and modernised our dedicated laundry area, installing a high-efficiency washing machine and dryer setup. It means you can rinse away the sand from a day of island hopping at Otehei Bay or reset your wardrobe after a night out at The Duke without ever having to leave the comfort of your private villa.
Why a Self-Contained Russell Base Beats the Crowds
Many visitors make the mistake of staying on the western side of the bay because they assume it’s more practical for regional logistics. However, commercial motels in Paihia often mean compromised privacy, tight parking, and crowded communal facilities.
Basing your holiday at Crab Shack Cottage offers distinct, uncompromised advantages:
True Self-Catering Luxury: Skip the queues at busy restaurants and enjoy a private candlelit dinner on your own deck, powered by your gourmet kitchen and perfectly chilled wine fridge.
Skip the Transit Chaos: Every major sailing excursion, dolphin cruise, and fishing charter picks up directly from Russell Wharf, just a flat, 300-metre walk from our front gate.
Premium Road-Trip Security: Unlike the tight, hilly sections common to Opua or the crowded streets of Paihia, we feature secure, flat parking for boats and an on-site EV charging station.
Be the First to Experience the Upgrades
Whether you are planning a multi-generational family reunion, a milestone birthday, or a relaxing weekend away with friends, the cottage is primed and ready for your arrival.
Our peak summer dates and long weekends fill up exceptionally fast. Explore our live calendar, view the new spaces, and lock in your direct booking today to ensure your spot on the peaceful side of the Bay.
