I was a guest at this property for what was supposed to be a special family Xmas after a very hard year for us all. We paid over $1100 per night for what was supposed to be “absolute beachfront” with “unobstructed views”. The owner gave us 2 weeks notice that a new house had been put directly in front …over which he had no control. Liar! He is the owner of the house in front. He will have had months of notice going through consents etc but chose only to tell us 2 weeks out when we had booked all airfares etc. what choice did we have at that stage? We had our first 3 days of builders working skillsaws, nail guns etc and of course a view of the portaloo and rubbish skip. Exactly the sort of holiday you didn’t want to pay $1100 per night for. The owner will not respond to requests to discuss a discount for what was clearly not delivered as part of our holiday. He has a reputation around Russell as locals we spoke to seemed unsurprised by his disgusting behaviour. Clive is not to be trusted. Don’t deal with him.

Please be warned that this house is NOT Beachfront and does NOT have unobstructed views. The owner advised us 2 weeks before our visit that he had moved a new house in front of this beach front property however his photos failed to show the Huge New House and were taken from the only angle that is still unobstructed. Our Holiday was ruined by the news of skill-saws and nail guns from the many labourers who were on site for the first 3 days of our holiday..DESPITE the Owner promising that there would be no workmen on site during our stay. We have asked for 3 nights compensation ( which goes no way towards compensating us for this lost holiday) and the Owner is refusing to reply. DO NOT stay here.. it is way overpriced at $1120 per night and the property is completely MISREPRESENTED ! Will post photos and videos on their Facebook page and here.

A genuinely special place, right on the beach, with everything you need for an amazing break. The house is spacious, comfortable, and very functional. The fishing nearby is absolutely world class. Tapeka Del Mar is the ideal base for a Bay of Islands holiday.

Best View, Best Location, Best House Beach. This is by far the Best Vacation I have ever experience in Russell. What are you waiting for... Book it you won't be disappointed I'll Promise you that🥰.

Thank you to our wonderful host . When you walk in you immediately feel incorporated into the view. Even in winter the sun streams in and if you don't wish to use the kayaks and dinghy provided you feel part of the action on the water and beach at your feet. The house configuration is perfect for families or a couple and every tiny detail is thought of without losing the kiwis bach feel. We chose to golf at Waitangi and walk to Russell through the bush and eat at the Duke in front of a roaring fire. Highly reccomend you spoil yourself at Tapeka del Mar.

Tapeka Del Mar is a very pretty house in an absolutely stunning location right on the beach. The house is located a short drive from the beautiful historic little town of Russell where there are plenty of eateries and basic groceries can be obtained. Car ferry crossings to Opua on the mainland are frequent and fast (NZ$13 one way) and there are so many ways to fill one's time here. I agree with a previous reviewer that the cleanliness of the property was not as good as expected - the kitchen sink/tap/dishwasher had to be cleaned before we could use it. Other than that the property was well set up for family use. The steps up to the door were difficult to negotiate because there is no handrail. Also, the sofas are very low and difficult to get out of if one has mobility problems - a higher/firmer chair with arms would be a helpful addition to the furniture for older or more infirm visitors.

We booked Tapeka del Mar from Australia for my son's 50th birthday celebration (he was already in NZ) - 7 adults and four kids under 11. Clive, the owner happened to be there when we arrived and gave us a remarkably comprehensive briefing about the house. Everything was absolutely as specified in the promotional material (with many extras not usually included in a rental property). It felt absolutely comfortable and welcoming from the moment we arrived. If all burners lit on the barbecue I would give it 5 stars, so I must post 4 star (although I reckon 4.5 would be closer to the mark).

We are a family from Australia, elderly mother and four adult children, holidaying together for the first time in 44 years. The house is spacious and light. The owner has thought of everything to make it comfortable and easy. John walked across the lawn to the beach for his daily swim each morning - no need to drive. The owners are most approachable and advised us where to go for the roast lamb we craved on mothers' day! The house has an open deck with a barbecue of course, and where we sat and sipped wine. 5 kayaks are provided and we paddled to Russell, a lovely little place about a km distant by sea. Our stay was enhanced by the close antics of a pod of dolphins when we went out on a sailing boat. Such a lovely, happy place to stay, and we would love to go back.

I had family visiting from the UK so wanted to take them to Russell, we saw the pictures of this Bach online, and it had everything we needed for 7 people. The place is amazing, views were outstanding. My only negative would be that for five stars I didn't think it lived Upto that. It wasn't cleaned to a five star rating, the toilet seat was broke in the main bathroom and dirty and there was mould on the curtains and there was an abundance of flies, some of the rooms did smell abit musky too. But I tried to look past this while I was there because it was about spending time with my family and I do recognize that it is a well used Bach, lots of visitors passing through. Just think maybe I would give a 3star for cleanliness. 5star for location, house and view. As there were samples of room to roam about in. Thanks 😀

Great house for a family. Our grandchildren particularly enjoyed having their own room away from the adults. The house was very well equipped. The beds were comfortable. Being so close to the beach was great and swimming and jumping off the pontoon was enjoyed by all. Highly recommended.