Russell at a Glance
The historic town of Russell, located on a narrow peninsula on the Bay of Island’s in New Zealand, has a fascinating history. In the 1830s the hillside town had a reputation and a controversial history as the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific'. Nowadays, due to its isolated location, Russell is busy during the day particularly in summer with visiting day-trippers but is blissfully peaceful and romantic in the evening.
You'll Love Russell If...
- You’re a couple after a romantic destination in New Zealand.
- You want a base on the Bay of Islands away from the crowds.
- You’re interested in history and like to discover new and exciting places while on holiday.
Explore Russell
Soak up the fascinating history of Russell at some of the town’s best sites.
Learn about the town’s history at Russell Museum, and see a 1:5 scale model of Cook’s ship Endeavour. The white weather boarded Christ Church, built in 1836, is New Zealand’s oldest surviving church and is also well worth a visit.
Visit Pompallier. Built in 1842 as a printing works, is the only surviving building of Russell’s Catholic mission. Take a tour of the building and watch first hand the production process of handmade books.
Why a Holiday to Russell?
- Russell’s location on the Bay of Islands makes it the ideal place from where you can explore the area. Hire kayaks or dinghies and head out into the bay. The beautiful turquoise water makes perfect conditions for swimming and snorkelling. Take an all day boat trip out onto the bay and visit uninhabited islands, spot wildlife and birds and tuck into a tasty BBQ on a deserted beach. Similarly Paihia offers some more beautiful beaches and BBQ opportunities.
- Back in Russell take a minibus tour of the town before grabbing a table at the Waterfront Café and enjoying the view over coffee. Buy Maori art and crafts at Haratu also on the waterfront, or pick up a souvenir of local artist’s work from the Entrance Gallery. Just Imagine is another gallery in Russell featuring paintings and glassware. If art is something that you enjoy, then New Plymouth features a fantastic contemporary gallery which is well worth a visit.
- There is plenty of choice when dining out in the evening on your holiday to Russell. Kamakura is a modern and sophisticated restaurant serving excellent fish dishes. You can find pizza and Thai food in the town, or head to cheap and cheerful Sally’s and order the seafood chowder.
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