We had a wonderful time in Te Wahupu/Russell at Al and CJ's place. It's not huge but it's complete and has its own deck with a view as well as use of a small covered patio in the garden with comfortable chairs, a table and the guest barbecue. Back in the room, the word quality comes to mine from the mattress to the ample utensils in the kitchenette. No cooktop but there is a dual hot plate. The toaster oven is a nice size and is good quality as was the microwave and kettle. Bath is small but usable with quality (that word again) fixtures and good hot water and pressure given the low flow shower head. Privacy from the main house is great but the hosts are just steps away if you need something. Parking is just steps away from the door.
It's about a 50 yard downhill walk to the beach along a narrow but not treacherous path to the boathouse and the beach which comes and goes with the tides. Just above the high tide line is a little grassy spot and a couple of chairs from which to watch the sun go down over one of the most picturesque small bays I have ever seen. There is a guest tandem kayak quite a bit better then the usual rental pig you find on the beaches and nice wide beginners stand-up paddle boards which Al will happily help you get started on.
Al and CJ are great hosts. Warm, friendly and helpful. In our case, spectacularly helpful, to the point of rescuing the New Zealand part of our vacation for which we can never thank them enough. From first contact to check out, communication was clear, direct, helpful and prompt. Everything was exactly as described and Cindy's directions to the secluded house were easy to follow.
Setting, hosts, comfort, it's the whole package and we can't wait to come back some day for longer than three days.