If you love history, nature and big game fishing, then the Bay of Islands and Russell, in particular, is for you.
Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and has many notable historical places of interest and stories to be heard. It is also a great place to base yourself for exploring the Bay of Islands on one or more of the many cruises you can take exploring the islands and wild sea life in the area.
Read on to learn about this piece of paradise in New Zealand, once known as the “hell-hole of the Pacific”.
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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.
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Why You Should Visit Russell
- Historical Significance: Russell is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most significant towns, known for its rich history, dating back to the early European settlement. You can visit historical sites like Pompallier House and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the country’s past.
- Beautiful Beaches: Russell is surrounded by stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. At popular spots like Long Beach and Oneroa Bay, you can relax, swim, and enjoy water activities like kayaking or snorkelling.
- Scenic Landscapes: The town is located in the Bay of Islands, renowned for its picturesque beauty. You can take boat tours or go hiking to explore the rugged coastlines, abundant wildlife, and lush greenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Hole in the Rock.
- Whale and Dolphin Watching: The Bay of Islands is home to a large population of marine mammals, including dolphins, whales, and seals. You can join a boat tour and have the chance to see these incredible creatures up close in their natural habitat.
- Adventure Activities: For thrill-seekers, Russell offers a range of adventurous activities such as fishing charters, sailing trips, parasailing, and jet skiing. You can also go on scenic hikes or explore the area on a mountain bike.
- Quaint Atmosphere: Despite its historical significance, Russell retains a charming and relaxed atmosphere. The town has a lovely waterfront area with boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine and soak up the ambience.
Historic Russell
Russel may be a small town, but its’ history is huge. It was in this area that white settlement started in New Zealand.
Its original Maori name is Kororareka and white whalers would trade with the Maori and base themselves here receiving the reputation as the “hell hole of the Pacific.” Not this peaceful tourist oasis it is today.
By 1830, Kororareka was one of the largest whaling ports in the Southern Hemisphere and with hundreds of men onshore, “ladies” and alcohol ruled the land.
Pompallier House was a Catholic Mission and Printery and is now a tourist attraction. You can take a tour today to learn about 19th-century printing and bookbinding, as well as walking around the beautiful Victorian and Edwardian gardens.
Pompallier House is named after Bishop Pompallier who bought the land in 1839 and had the house constructed during 1841 and 1842 using the rammed earth method. By 1842 it was printing religious texts in Maori, and continued printing until 1849.
After passing through private hands over the years, the Government purchased it in 1941 and it was restored in the 1990s with the original printing press.
Christ Church is the oldest church still in use today, making it the most historical European settlement building in not only Russell but also New Zealand.
The first service was in 1836 in the nearly constructed building and was open to both Maori and Pakeha (Europeans) with the services said in both languages. It was also used occasionally as a courthouse.
What brings most people to see the church is the damage done to the outside by musket shots and cannonballs during the Battle of Kororareka. It was on 11 March 1845 that 600 Maori fought the Royal Marines and sailors from the HMS Hazard, who were aiding a detachment of the 96th Regiment British soldiers, as they were dissatisfied with how the British ruled the country.
A walk through the graveyard is a must with many significant people buried here including Tamati Waka Nene, a Ngapuhi chief largely responsible for the Maori’s acceptance of the Treaty of Waitangi and who fought for the settlers against Hone Heke, Hannah King Letheridge, the second European girl to be born in NZ, Dr Samuel Ford, New Zealand’s first resident surgeon, the six men from HMS Hazard who fell in the battle, and whalers whose headstones often tell of untimely deaths.
Cruising in the Bay of Islands
I did the Cream Trip, which included the Hole in the Rock and a stopover on Urupukapuka Island. It was a full day of seeing natural wonders, dolphins, whales and other aquatic life.
You can read about my day on my blog 1 Amazing Day on the Bay, Cream Trip, Bay of Islands, NZ.
Just Enjoy the Ambience
I love walking around the streets of Russell. It is a quaint town with a brutal past and many tourists visit all year round, especially in summer, but it still feels like the peaceful seaside town it is.
Once you’re off the ferry it’s easy to walk around Russell. The hardest part is the walk up to Flagstaff Hill from the beach but the views are worth it.
You can always hire a moped to get you around if you aren’t energetic or for the fun of it.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in the Paihia YHA, Bay of Island Lodge, which is close to everything in Paihia including the ferry to Russell.
This sustainable youth hostel has solar power, private or dorm rooms, and a large courtyard with picnic tables, where you can swap stories with your fellow travellers at the end of the day.
It’s a short walk to the shops in Paihia, cruises or the beach and only three and a half km to Waitangi.
Facilities
- Solar Powered
- Free Wifi
- Free Onsite Car Parking
- Communal Kitchen (with food storage area), Dining and Lounge Rooms
- Recycling Stations
- Herb Garden
- Outdoor area with BBQ
- Games and Book Exchange
- Laundry Facilities
- Wheelchair Accessible
- 24-Hour Guest Access and After-hours Check-in on Request
- Hair Dryers
- Towel Hire
- Hot Water Bottles
- Travel and Activity Bookings
I have stayed here twice now and would highly recommend it. You feel as though you have a home away from home.
Conclusion
Overall, Russell, New Zealand, offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure, making it a wonderful destination to explore.
It makes for the perfect afternoon after taking the ferry across from Paihia or spending more time here relaxing in the town’s quaintness and peacefulness.
I hope you visit Russell and enjoy it as much as I do.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more tips, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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