About Russell
Historic Russell is directly across the bay from Paihia, a 10 minute passenger ferry trip. Russell was originally a Maori settlement then known as Kororareka (Sweet Penguin). In the early days of European settlement Kororareka developed a very bad reputation and was known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. Kororareka was a magnet for rough elements such as fleeing convicts, whalers, prostitutes and drunken sailors.
Today Russell is a peaceful and lovely village, an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a well deserved holiday. It is an ideal base for exploring the exquisite Bay of Islands and a marked contrast from the hustle and bustle of Paihia across the bay.
Attractions and Activities
Local or within a half hour drive (we can book most tours/trips for you).
Russell has many local attractions including an 1840’s working tannery, printing and bookbinding museum housed in the Catholic Mission Building. Christ Church – the oldest church in New Zealand, with bullet holes reminding us of the turbulent past.
Most boat trips that leave from Paihia do a pick up at Russell wharf, including: Hole in the Rock, dolphin viewing and swimming, these can be done as a half day trip or if you like speed the Excitor or Mack Attack is the way to go. Spend a day or half day on one of the local fishing or yacht/sailing charters. If you have excess energy, help sail the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson or just sit back and relax.
Take the passenger ferry to Paihia for other water based activities: paragliding, for something different a sea kayaking wine tour, scuba diving (Rainbow Warrior and the Canterbury – steam powered Leander class frigate).
Bus tours that leave from Paihia are not a problem either, you simply take the passenger ferry across to Paihia. Tours include Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach.
Golf - Take the car ferry from Russell and enjoy a game of golf at either Waitangi or Kerikeri.
Bowls - local club welcomes visitors
Swimming - within walking distance: - on the western side is the Russell foreshore which is a pebble beach with grassed areas and Longbeach (best all tide swimming beach) is on the eastern side. A five minute drive will take you to Rocky Bay or Tapeka Point which is a safe swimming beach. Slightly further afield there are many small bays (some on unsealed roads) one lovelier than the other and about an half hour drive will take you to Elliot’s Beach which is a surfing beach.
Walking Tracks - maps will be provided. Some are leisurely others are for serious hikers (trampers is the local term). 
Wineries - there are a number of wineries all within a 10min to a 1hour drive away.
Dining – Russell has a number of restaurants and bars.
Fishing – surf, rock or charter boat. Excellent fishing including game fishing.
Scenic Flight from Paihia or parachuting 30 minute drive.
Day trips
Kerikeri: The Stone Store is the oldest stone building in NZ built 1833/1836. Kemp House is the oldest surviving building in NZ 1821, made of wood it still has its original fittings and chattels. Visit the local vineyards and the Makana Chocolate Factory.
Waipoua Kauri Forest where you will find Te Matua Ngaher (The Father of the Forest) a kauri with a trunk diameter of over 5m and believed to be 4 000 years old. Tane Mahuta, named after the Maori god of the forests, is the largest kauri tree standing at 51m.
Kawakawa: The world famous Hundertwasser public toilets, operating vintage steam railway and Kawiti Glow Worm Caves.
Whangarei, with its Clapham’s Clock Museum (well worth a visit, give at least an hour of your time) here you will find cinemas and if you love shopping this is a good place to visit, also lots of restaurants and pubs. The Whangarei Falls are 5km north of Whangarei.