Reviews of Fantail Mill - Private Waterfront Retreat Russell
8 Toi Track, 0202 Russell, New Zealand
Review score
Based on 128 hotel reviews
9.4Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
9.7
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Comfort
9.8
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Location
9.7
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Facilities
9.5
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Staff
9.9
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Value for money
9.5
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Free WiFi
9.0
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Reviewed: 21 April 2024
Michelle
New Zealand4 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
There was nothing we didn't like
Loved the view and nature
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 18 April 2024
Vicktoria
United States3 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
No dislikes. It is a 7 minute drive to Russell.
The property is beautiful and the rooms cute and comfortable. The hostess was very kind and helpful. We were literally entertained by the fantail birds near the balcony.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 3 April 2024
Kimberly
New Zealand16 reviews10“Beautiful location with a beautiful host and exceeded expectations”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Loved the location and the view was beautiful. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. Tracey the host was absolutely beautiful and so friendly. Highly recommend it certainly exceeded expectations
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 24 March 2024
Judith
Switzerland63 reviews5 helpful votes9.0“A lovely studio in a beautiful garden setting”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 3 nights
I would have liked more storage space. There is a little road noise.
The studio is one of a group of 4 but remains private. There is a small balcony where you can sit overlooking the lovely view of the sea. The kitchen is small but well equipped and there is an outdoor kitchen for guests to use if you want to cook something. It's easy to find and there is good parking. Russell is just 5 minutes away but you would need a car.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 24 March 2024
Tess
New Zealand31 reviews3 helpful votes10“Awesome & interesting place to be”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Along the main road where you can hear the passing vehicles.
Lovely welcome from lovely couple. The whole place is beautiful, love the vintage theme, environment.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 21 March 2024
Janice
New Zealand22 reviews9.0“Very enjoyable, host even helped us unpack our car”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The traffic noise was quite loud
It was close to town & very easy access. The view was lovely & there was a choice of outside seating.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 21 March 2024
Caroline
New Zealand15 reviews9.0“Beautiful setting with awesome host”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Everyone tends to leave their doors open to the balcony at night, this does mean you need to be particularly quiet in the evenings.
Beautiful setting. Fantastic host. Lovely clean modern unit. There are Kiwi's and Weka around, I managed to see a Kiwi, so that was my highlight of the trip!
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 16 March 2024
Deluca
United States6 reviews9.0“Fantastic hosts and gorgeous setting & views”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 5 nights
Long walk to town, no swimming beach within easy walking distance.
Wonderful host couple!! They went out of their way to accommodate us including doing our laundry and picking us up in town when we were too tired to walk home! Gorgeous gardens, views of Orongo Bay, nice room and decor with opportunity to cook in a beautiful outdoor kitchen if desired. Nice walking in the nearby forest and mangrove areas. We liked it so much, we wanted to change our plans and stay longer. Since Fantail was booked, the innkeeper found us another place that was perfect. Wonderful experience!
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 15 March 2024
Hooper
New Zealand2 reviews1 helpful vote9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Studio
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
N/A
Lovely place to stay, really enjoyed it
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 13 March 2024
Richard
Canada30 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
We had ants coming from the roof and down the wall when we arrived but they were quick to spray them and they were gone and we didn't see them again and we were there for 2 nights.
Loved the Fantail birds! The view was beautiful! There was also a cool extra room if you were staying with friends. They had a great outdoor kitchen.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 12 March 2024
Shari
United States7 reviews10“Beautiful and welcoming. Website photos don’t show the scope of the property.”- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The entrance is hard to find on google maps.
The owners are exceptional hosts. Thoughtful, cheerful and accommodating. Beautiful gardens. Exceptional view. All the pleasantries in the guest room to make the stay welcoming.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 12 March 2024
Susan
United States3 reviews1 helpful vote10“❤️❤️Thanks William and Tracy❤️❤️”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Needs better signage for the exhausted traveler. Google maps mislead us. Believe the “exit only” sign. 🪧
Absolutely stunning property! The hosts were incredibly hospitable, taking time to orient us and give us suggestions directions, the history of the property 😯William is hilarious 🤣 The fantails came right up on the deck. Not shy at all. The gardens are gorgeous. You can hear Kiwis at night. It is not far from town and so worth it.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 4 March 2024
Graham
United States19 reviews10“we stayed two nights. We arrived a little early but were welcomed and shown out to our little cottage. Beautiful view an”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Beautiful setting. Immaculate grounds. very clean.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 28 February 2024
Guy
New Zealand1 review8.0“Great stay in spectacular surroundings with a view to the sea.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
the lights in the bedroom and especially the bathroom were poor, and the fridge was noisy, we had to switch it off at night. The wifi was slow.
great presentation of the property, beautiful setting surrounded by bush. Everything we needed was supplied with good quality tea/coffee/cutlery etc. A bonus was a view to the sea.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 25 February 2024
Mark
United Kingdom14 reviews8.0“Great location in sub-tropical paradise.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Low water pressure and limited water (the owners collect rain water - recent draught) so no laundry facilities. That said, showering was not a problem.
Wonderful location. The fan above the bed was surprisingly effective, given the absence of air conditioning.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 25 February 2024
Terence
New Zealand1 review10“We will make a return visit as there’s so much to do in the area.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Studio appartment. Very nicely furnished and everything you would expect including hairdryer, with a very comfortable bed. Milk, tea, coffee and biscuits supplied. Lovely view from the balcony. We appreciated having a ceiling fan in the room. Ideally situated on main road into town, (about 5 minutes drive)
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 23 February 2024
Julie
New Zealand27 reviews1 helpful vote10“Comfy As”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Lovely clean room with comfortable bed. Had everything we needed for a few days away.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 22 February 2024
Graeme
New Zealand1 review9.0“Great place to stay”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The shower pressure could've been a little better.
The location was excellent. Surrounded by bush area. The room well appointed and very comfortable.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 21 February 2024
Carmel
Australia3 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
Nothing
It was very clean and newly updated. It had a very cute outside kitchen also for use. It had an amazing view out the back of the room. The owners were lovely and helpful. It was close to Russell and we had the most amazing time!
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 19 February 2024
Tobias
New Zealand25 reviews2 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
We have had a great stay in the Fantail Mill. The room was very comfortable with a view on the inlet.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 17 February 2024
Paul
Germany43 reviews8 helpful votes9.0“Very cosy and comfy stay to explore russell and surroundings”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Room gets really hot between 5 and 8pm. Aircon would be a big help…
Very nice Boutique style rooms and a super friendly snd helpful host with lots of tips for the surrounding. Outdoor kitchen was well equipped aswell. And a stunning view on the bay from a cute little balcony
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 17 February 2024
Luuk
Netherlands72 reviews5 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing.
The room was nicely decorated and had a comfortable bed. The view was spectaculair!!! The gardens and ambience was lovely. We had a car so it was very easy to get around and drive into Russell.
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 16 February 2024
Dane
United States3 reviews8.0“Tracy was great, views from room and location to town and hiking trails.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
No cold water in shower
Location and the grounds
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 12 February 2024
Peter
United Kingdom5 reviews1 helpful vote10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Great view, very clean, fantastic host! Loved it! A must stay!
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 12 February 2024
Sharon
United Kingdom10 reviews9.0“A wonderful view & setting in a unique set up”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Studio
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nil
A fabulous unique stay
Stayed in February 2024
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