Russell's Cabins

When the sun is shining and it's warm it's lovely to be staying in modern cabins enjoying gorgeous views, an outdoor shower, outdoor gas cooking and a well-functioning composting toilet.

When it's cold outside and raining (as it was for much of our stay) you realise the cabins are designed for good weather as it can be dark and cold and difficult to use the gas cooker. Water runs off the roof onto the entrance of one of the cabins.

Basic but high quality breakfast is provided by the hosts. The design of the cabins is beautiful as are the views across the valley and surrounding vineyards. If you are looking for a well designed semi-camping experience in one of NZ's most beautiful areas, this is for you. The excellent restaurant of the Black Wine Estate is literally 200m away and offer very good take away service for supper which they can deliver directly to the cabins.

Despite the exceptional setting, there is some noise from the main road, particularly on windy days. Dry compost WC is a bit close to one of the 2 cabins.

Stunning setting and design. Excellent attention to detail. A very special place.

A special place. So tasteful in everything from linen robes to the soaps and lotions to the homemade jam in the morning. And the soaking tub outside - and outside shower - are bonuses. The view is spectacular. Plenty of lanterns give light. You don’t even realize you are off the grid!

For our travels in NZ, this accommodation option popped up and it was something that truly captured our imagination. The uniqueness, the location, the experience. We are so happy that we added the Waipara Wine area and this place to our itinerary! What an experience! We truly loved it - from arrival to departure. Through the very helpful arrival instructions, we found Russell's Cabin with ease. Privately located next to a winery, and within easy reach of Christchurch. It was stunningly situated high in the valley, overlooking an exceptional view and the stunning planting around the property. We loved each of the four little houses, comprising a living room, two bedrooms and a toilet/sink room. The outdoor shower and bathtub were exceptional and so liberating! Our sleep was very comfortable, and with the large cabin windows - it was like sleeping with a massive and changing oil painting at the end of the bed. The kitchen is basic and outside - but my husband loved it nonetheless and ensured a delicious dinner and breakfast. For breakfast, sumptuous bread, butter and homemade apricot jam were provided, which we supplemented by scrambled eggs and bacon that we had brought with us. It was so relaxing to enjoy these meals outside, ditto with the outdoor chairs for a pre-dinner drink or two. As the sun set, and the stars came out - the privacy combined with the nature made the whole evening so special. In all, such wonderful memories were created and we would highly recommend Russell's Cabin to all!

What about Ludo - as an additional board game?

Great concept with nice touches. The outside bath is fantastic. Despite there being no electricity whatsoever, there were power banks and lamps provided. Nice linen, towels & good beds. Very clean.

There is no power (including solar), no sink or running water in the kitchenette & no fridge. Not enough light in the bathroom.

Great location comfortable, with luxurious touches.

Could have been us but we couldn't work out how to get the Coleman gas burner started.

The location was fantastic The Bed was very comfortable Loved the outdoor bath and shower

Nothing, everything was great.