Things to do
We are just minutes stroll from sailing, cruising, dolphin watching and swimming, kayaking, hiking and bush walking in the Russell Peninsula Kiwi Conservation Zone.
The bay is every bit as beautiful as they say it is, the colour of the water is often an unbelievable turquoise-blue and it's well worth taking a trip out there. Equally beautiful are the coastal countryside and forests of the Russell and Rawhiti Peninsulas which you can drive to yourself or, better still, let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the view.
The area is also rich in history and Maori culture both pre-European and colonial; Waitangi is the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840, regarded as the founding document of modern New Zealand.
The village's history trails, great little museum, galleries, restaurants and cafes are just along the road. We can advise you on restaurants and make reservations for you.
Useful links to other sites
- Russell village
- Destination Northland
- Bay of Islands Travel Guide
- Historic Places Trust
- Department of Conservation
- Tai Tokerau Northland Maori travel guide
Things to do on (and under) the water
There are various options for water trips ranging from large cruise launches to yachts. Sailing This is the most personal way to see why the Bay of Islands are rightly famous. Just you and eight to ten other like-minded people going where... > Read more
Walks and hikes
In the Russell village area Kororareka Reserve and Flagstaff Hill Oneroa/Long Beach and Donkey Bay Oneroa-Flagstaff loop and Waihihi Bay Tapeka Point - at low tide Russell-Okiato walkway via Orongo... > Read more
Sights and Sites
Historic and Cultural Northland and the Bay of Islands can claim many firsts in New Zealand history. The very first Polynesian travellers were believed to have made landfall here; the first extended contact between Pakeha (Europeans) and Maori... > Read more
Scenic drives & flights
The Old Russell Road, Rawhiti Peninsula and Ngaiotonga Forest This was the land access route before the car ferry went in at Opua. Beautiful bays and access to good hikes. Coming from Whangarei, look for Russell Road, signposted to Oakura,... > Read more
Golf Courses in Northland
Waitangi Golf Course Just across the bay next to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, about half an hour's drive from Russell. It offers panoramic sea and island views. Excellent facilities and great value considering the amazing location. >... > Read more
Fishing Trips and Charters
The Bay of Islands has always been fishing heaven. In the 1920s Zane Grey, the American game-fish writer visited the Bay and made his headquarters on Urupukapuka Island. His writings about the game-fishing eldorado of New Zealand made the bay... > Read more
Russell Beaches
Russell has four excellent swimming beaches and any number of secluded coves. The village beach offers safe, deep water swimming right in town. Take a swim between courses at lunch. Oneroa/Long Beach is the beautiful long,... > Read more
Birding
The Russell peninsula is a special place because it is home to two of New Zealand’s rarest birds – the North Island Brown kiwi and the North Island weka. Both kiwi and weka are in the bush around our bay – you will certainly hear... > Read more