We enjoyed Joan and Vivien”s place very much. Joan (a man from Iberia with a good sense of humour and great host) showed us round the well-appointed and modern apartment (the Bay suite). This is a bedroom/sitting room plus small kitchen and good-sized bathroom. The heat pump quickly warms the room. There is a great view over Russell and the bay to Paihia and Waitangi. The location is super quiet (we were on our own most of the week). We were told we might hear kiwi at night from the room and I think we did once. There are many tui and piwakawaka and a weka strolled across the deck each day. The walk down to the waterfront is short and steep but beside attractive woodland. Even out of season there were good facilities in Russell including the historical Duke of Marlborough hotel and the Gables restaurant. But you need to book. Plenty of other food places and a well-stocked supermarket. Many historical sites and of course abundant water activities. Trips to walk on other islands were very enjoyable. A 15-minute ferry ride to Paihia which is a resort town. Waitangi museum and Treaty grounds are worth a visit.