As you stroll round Russell, Bay of Islands today, you’re walking back in time. The town’s original street plan and names from 1843 are still intact and feature some of New Zealand’s oldest and most significant historic buildings. Russell Kororareka was developed initially as a shore station for shipping. The European population grew, with a mixture of deserting seamen, runaway convicts, and grog sellers, as well as settlers and traders. The township thus gained a reputation as a lawless and rowdy port and the unflattering nickname “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. Many of the buildings seen in Russell Township now are dated back to these times, and during your stay, you will be able to discover more about the amazing stories that these buildings hold.
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Some of our highly recommended trips in the Bay
Top 10 Free Things to do in Russell as advised by the Russell Info Centre
- Stroll The Strand, which runs along the waterfront. People watch and cheekily peer through the gate at Pompallier Mission.
- Take the new walking track from Russell to Okiato, about a two hour walk through oyster farms and pristine native forrest.
- Walk up to majestic Flagstaff Hill and take in the spectacular 360 degree views over the Bay of Islands.
- Tapeka Beach is an excellent spot to take a picnic, especially at sundown. Tables are available on the grass reserve.
- Visit the old church. Stick your finger in the bullet hole - a must have photograph.
- See the whaling boats in the shed outside the museum & get a photo sitting on the cannon, with the wharf in the background.
- Talk to a local - allow an hour.
- Walk to and swim at Long Beach; explore the excellent coast line
- Go fishing off the wharf or rocks
- Book a tour with Fuller Great Sights art the entrance to the wharf.
Interested in some local walks?
Okiato to Russell walkway - Year round Take in beautiful pristine forest, the oyster farms, walk the tracks through the mangroves; get the weather right and you cant beat this walk. Take your togs, pack a lunch and be fit enough to walk a day through steep forrest tracks. For the very keen a great day can be had doing the full circle from Russell to Russell via ferries.
Doc Walks in the Bay of Islands - The Bay of Islands area features a number of great walks and tracks for people of all abilities.
Cape Brett Walkway - If you wish to stay at the Hut you need to contact http://www.doc.govt.nz/ Russell Info can book you and provide you with further info. Cape Brett track begins at Oke Bay in Rawhiti and ends below the lighthouse at the seaward end of the Cape Brett peninsula. The Department of Conservation administers this house. The distance of the track is approximately 16.5 kilometers. At a comfortable pace this track takes 8-hours to complete. It crosses Te Rawhiti 3B2 Trust and DOC land and traverses over reasonably undulating and at times steep terrain up to a maximum height of 345 meters. There is 90% of bush cover, which is mainly secondary growth. The track is well marked and maintained.
- Stroll The Strand, which runs along the waterfront. People watch and cheekily peer through the gate at Pompallier Mission.
- Take the new walking track from Russell to Okiato, about a two hour walk through oyster farms and pristine native forrest.
- Walk up to majestic Flagstaff Hill and take in the spectacular 360 degree views over the Bay of Islands.
- Tapeka Beach is an excellent spot to take a picnic, especially at sundown. Tables are available on the grass reserve.
- Visit the old church. Stick your finger in the bullet hole - a must have photograph.
- See the whaling boats in the shed outside the museum & get a photo sitting on the cannon, with the wharf in the background.
- Talk to a local - allow an hour.
- Walk to and swim at Long Beach; explore the excellent coast line
- Go fishing off the wharf or rocks
- Book a tour with Fuller Great Sights art the entrance to the wharf.
Interested in some local walks?
Okiato to Russell walkway - Year round Take in beautiful pristine forest, the oyster farms, walk the tracks through the mangroves; get the weather right and you cant beat this walk. Take your togs, pack a lunch and be fit enough to walk a day through steep forrest tracks. For the very keen a great day can be had doing the full circle from Russell to Russell via ferries.
Doc Walks in the Bay of Islands - The Bay of Islands area features a number of great walks and tracks for people of all abilities.
Cape Brett Walkway - If you wish to stay at the Hut you need to contact http://www.doc.govt.nz/ Russell Info can book you and provide you with further info. Cape Brett track begins at Oke Bay in Rawhiti and ends below the lighthouse at the seaward end of the Cape Brett peninsula. The Department of Conservation administers this house. The distance of the track is approximately 16.5 kilometers. At a comfortable pace this track takes 8-hours to complete. It crosses Te Rawhiti 3B2 Trust and DOC land and traverses over reasonably undulating and at times steep terrain up to a maximum height of 345 meters. There is 90% of bush cover, which is mainly secondary growth. The track is well marked and maintained.
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From Fine Dining to bush walks to Vineyards to Big Game Fishing. There's not much you can't do in Russell. It is the perfect place to base your trip. Nearly all tours pick up in Russell. The sunset from the Russell waterfront is the perfect end to a great day in the Bay. Don't believe us, come and see for yourself.
