Ounuwhao Harding House
contact Ounuwhao Harding House

On the main road to Russell, approximately 10 minutes drive or eight kilometers from the car ferry, is the Ounuwhao Harding House, a historic bed & breakfast lodge (circa 1894), where you can "Experience a world of difference".

Ounuwhao is a short two-minute drive or a casual 10-minute stroll to Russell village, beside a grassed reserve bordered by century-old Norfolk pines, opposite picturesque Matauwhi Bay - a favourite mooring place for yachts.

Accommodation is available in four queen rooms, two with extra single bed - all with en-suite or private bathrooms. The two front rooms feature their own washstand and have French doors opening onto the verandah and conservatory area, with splendid sea views. There is also the detached Garden Suite with spa bath and shower sitting comfortably in the cottage gardens, with super king bed or twin, offering peace and privacy for guests wanting a space of their own.

Fresh flowers picked from the in-house garden greet you on arrival. Individual decor, traditional hand-made patchwork quilts, brass beds take you back to a different era. Bathrooms are decorated with old-fashioned, hand-painted 'Georgian' tiles and have showers and toilets; two also have a claw-footed bath.

Television, magazines, a wide selection of books and the daily newspaper invite you to relax in the guest lounge with tea and coffee available all day. You could also enjoy a book or cup of tea on the wide-sweeping verandahs, in the conservatory, or surrounded by flowers in the cottage garden, whilst enjoying the ever-changing water in the bay.

Allan and Marilyn, the hosts, pride themselves on the home-cooked, healthy 'start-to-the-day' breakfasts that include - fresh orange juice; fresh fruit salad or fruit platter; home-made bread or muffins; sour cream and pear pancakes or orange oatmeal pancakes; home-made jams and preserves; Ounuwhao's special Russell French toast with fresh fruits and Greek yoghurt & freshly brewed tea and coffee.

The Ounuwhao Harding House is smoke-free. The guest lodge is closed in June/July.