Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Eagles Nest is a multi award winning retreat overlooking the spectacular Bay of Islands. The 75 acre estate offers five world class luxury villas. Each offering; private heated infinity edge lap pool (excluding First Light Villa), jacuzzi, air conditioning, home theater system. Experience add-ons including talented chefs preparing cuisine featuring regional delicacies matched with New Zealand wines.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
The Eyrie lodge had everything, great pool and spa, views, plenty of room and great location to Russell. Sam and the team were great, they organised a masseuse, kiwi tour and gave us lots of good recommendations. Will definitely be back again.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked Eagles next a year ago and chose First light Temple to stay in. We loved it The space was perfect for us with lots of luggage, the views beautiful and the facilities were great. The Eagles nest is certainly the best place we have stayed in for a long time and we loved Russell very much our favourite place so far in NZ. We had a hot tub which was lovely for a relaxing drink. There was a washing machine available which was very handy with us travelling. The Food supply’s in the house are refreshed everyday and you just ask for what you need. This was fantastic! Bikes available if you can cope with the hills! But they will take you in and out of town as much as you want which was very handy .. just ask! There is a private beach which we walked to , it is a hike and very steep and not really that pretty sadly. We went instead to long beach which was lovely and had a swim. We booked a sailing trip around the bay of Islands which was perfect in every way. The sailing boat was beautiful! We enjoyed walking around Russell and saw the history of “The Hell Hole”. Whaling town. Sitting on the terrace of the Duke of Marlborough hotel was the best spot and live music each day after 4pm. we booked a BBQ in our lodge which was lovely. They can offer many other options. Eagles nest and our house was lovely but my only points that our house needed attention are - fist light Temple Needs a makeover ! . sinks looking shabby and tired. . Showers needs changing to have a nice rain shower combination shower as so much room and only having one spay which ran everywhere! . Soft closing toilet seats!! ( so cheap to change) . The blinds need making electrical and cover all the windows as so much light comes in now. And takes a while to close the blinds ( unless you ask them to do it) But we kept forgetting!! .The work surfaces in the kitchen shabby. . The sun beds need replacing and the bench outside was shabby. So a few makeovers would make it perfect and obviously justify the cost! it certainly is a wonderful place to enjoy. Thank you Lucy and Sam , you were very helpful and smiley people throughout our stay.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are not enough superlatives to describe our stay in the First Light villa at Eagles Nest. The photos of it just don't do justice to the real thing. The views of the Bay of Islands from the mezzanine bedroom are spectacular and the management team have thought of everything to make your stay enjoyable. Champagne on ice to greet us, excellent complimentary provisions for breakfast (and more!), a dinner booking at the renowned Duke of Marlborough in Russell on the first evening (and the offer to take you there and back so that you can have a drink) - we wanted for nothing! Unfortunately we only had two nights here but the hot tub and sauna were so relaxing, we left feeling refreshed and relaxed. Sam & Holly were so friendly & welcoming but gave us total privacy during our stay. We walked into Russell via the Flagstaff Loop and got the Happy Ferry over to Paihia. There is also a short walk to Tapeka beach. This has to be the most romantic place we have ever stayed and it certainly has the wow factor!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Eagles Nest for our 50th wedding anniversary with our family a total of 11 people, from 11 till 14 September 2020 It was absolutely fantastic. We stayed in the Sacred Space and The Eyrie. The accomodation is super luxurious but still very relaxed. The staff are wonderful and made our stay very pleasant. We had our personal chefs for our special dinner at the Rahimoana. Which is absolutely between seven stars and heaven. The gourmet breakfast fast provisions and fresh fruit are ample and good quality. The infinity pool, jacuzzi and sauna have been well used by our family. We walked to the small sacred beach with the family and found lots of cats eyes, which means good luck. The men and one granddaughter went for a fishing trip ( organised by Eagles Nest) which was very successful. We had fish for lunch. Three of us women had a massage, absolutely great.(also organised by Eagles Nest) We did some shopping in the quaint village of Russel. What a superb place to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with our family. The views are spectacular. We had everything we needed and more. Thank you to all the staff who made this such a special time for all of us. Many memories were made here. PS: I almost forgot the golf buggy to move from one villa to the other, which was a real attraction for the grandchildren.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All Villas have great vieuws
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anthony Acland, General Manager at Eagles Nest
Responded 16 Sept 2020
Thank you for the lovely words, it was our honour to be able to help you celebrate such a wonderful milestone at Eagle Nest. We look forward to welcoming you back for your 60th wedding anniversary!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The best family accomodation in New Zealand. Its so good you almost have the selfish incline to want to keep the place secret. But no thats just a momentary thought. The warm infinity lap pool and hot spa was perfect to hop in and out, in the day as well as at night. The clifftop view fantastic. Then there is a small private beach you can take a short walk and I suppose a swim in summer. The generous amounts of drinks and snacks in the 3 bedroom house with stunning views. Then there is the quaint little town of Russell with some real history. The site of the first church in New Zealand. First restaurant in New Zealand. Love the place.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Eagle Spirit great
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anthony Acland, General Manager at Eagles Nest
Responded 16 Sept 2020
Thank you so much for you review of Eagles Nest, it was an absolute pleasure hosting you. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and the wonderful town of Russell which we are so lucky to be close to.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our 3-night stay at Eagles Nest was wonderful. We stayed in the First Light Villa which had a large living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the first floor, as well as a large bedroom and ensuite bathroom on the second floor. The entire front of the building was a glass wall that offered spectacular views of the Bay of Islands. There was also a large deck and hot tub. Holly and Lauren were extremely hospitable, friendly, and helpful. We greatly appreciated the rides to and from dinner. Exceptional, low-key service. If we are lucky enough to get back to New Zealand we would definitely stay here again!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This experience was like 'heaven on earth'. Anything I wanted, I got. Nothing was too much trouble. The accommodation was amazing, the staff absolutely wonderful, especially the manager Adam who went out of his way to make sure my every whim was catered for. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to 'live in the lap of luxury' for a few days.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 3 days and nights during our trip from South to North New Zealand. This was our final stop and we loved the views and the villa and the staff. Sam has taken fine care of our family with great recommendations for restaurants and activities! I would return if given the opportunity!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Anthony Acland, General Manager at Eagles Nest
Responded 23 Feb 2020
Thank you so much for your review John, I'm very glad to hear how you and your family enjoyed your stay here at Eagles Nest, I will pass your kind words on to Sam who is very dedicated to ensuring you get to experience all that Russell and the surrounding areas has to offer. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back in the future.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Well, where do we start!? We had very high expectations of Eagles Nest. It receives glowing reports in a variety of travel guides, and is expensive. The website makes it look like an idyllic paradise. We had left it near to the end of our trip, and had a hard 7.5 hour drive from Rotorua to get there. It was far better that we had imagined it would be.
Russell is an absolutely delightful place – a real life Jessica Fletcher Cabot Cove kind of place. One of those places that is virtually crime-free, where you leave your house unlocked and keys in your car. The height of “picture postcard perfect”.
Eagles Nest is a couple of minutes drive above the village. Full credit to the creators of this gem. We were welcomed by Callum, the General Manager. He gave us a full tour of our unit, and left after opening up the complimentary bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne for us. Service was very professional 7 discreet, with no requests too much trouble.
We stayed in the First Light Temple – the one-bed option. It is huge, with vast glass windows showing off the panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. It has everything you could want in a holiday villa - great design, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, private outdoor hot tub nestled into the garden, privacy, full gourmet kitchen, surround sound home theatre system, two bathrooms, three showers, private drive & garden. We also had full use of the 25m heated infinity lap pool. The living area is two stories in height, with the bedroom on a mezzanine level towards the rear. The bedroom has an electrically operated sky roof to gaze out at the stars through. The upstairs shower is enormous, and fully enclosed in glass so that you can shower with a view! We took a walk down to the private beach through native rainforest.
We only had time for two nights, but could have stayed for weeks. This is the ultimate place to unwind & relax. Along with Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch, this was our favourite in New Zealand. We cannot recommend Eagles Nest highly enough – absolutely worldclass.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2007
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Let's start with the good points: the views from the villas are fabulous. You're not right by the water but the views of the bays and islands are fabulous. The other great point was the 18 metre infinity pool - really gorgeous and still pleasantly warm in mid winter. The outdoor jacuzzi was wonderful too. Landscaping was very well done.
Not so good: the villas have all the charm and personality of a care home. And this lack of personality is the property's achilles heel - it's basically a few modern buildings plonked together. There are no central facilities, no restaurant (I forewent the 'private chef' option as it would have cost $300 for a two course meal for one), and even breakfast was lazy (basically they stock the fridge with some fruit, yoghurt and bacon). Frankly, apart from the views the property could have been anywhere in the world, unlike say Kauri Cliffs further North. Unless you wish to be handy to Russell (in which case there are plenty of private homes for rent at a fraction of the price and with similar or better views), I don't see this as a must-stay property, at least not at $1300 a night in the low season.
Having said that, there was nothing wrong with my stay and others may not experience the ambience in the way I did, so please bear that in mind.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Russell area.
PRICE RANGE
$780 - $2,635 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
eagles nest hotel russell
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandNorthland RegionBay of IslandsRussell
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
