2019- New Zealand – Northland – Russell, Bay of Islands

Russell

The first capital of New Zealand is recorded at Russell in the Bay of Islands, actually at Okiato Point I believe which is pretty close by. A three hour drive north from Auckland, a brief ferry ride at Opua and the world seems a calmer place when one arrives in Russell.

We emigrated to New Zealand in 1985, being transferred by our then U.K. employer to their South Pacific outpost. We have never been more thankful for the foresight of the then Norwich Union Insurance Group to send the Harland family and most of their worldly goods to New Zealand. We have not looked back and are now Kiwis through and through.

We first came to Russell for a family holiday in 1991, and in 1992 with a change in employer came a company holiday home at Te Maiki Villas overlooking Russell and the bay across to Paihia. Suddenly we became very regular visitors to Russell, acquired a boat for fishing, skiiing, golf clubs for the wonderful local courses and subsequently have brought all our many overseas guests here to enjoy this very special part of New Zealand.

Russell sits on a peninsular jutting out through a jumble of lovely islands , the Bay of Islands, into the South Pacific at the north – east quadrant of New Zealand’s North Island. Usually accessed by vehicle and passenger ferry from Opua, or by passenger ferry from Paihia, but there is coastal road access along the east coast coming up from the south if you have the time to take in some extra and superb coastal views.

Russell – what to do when you visit?

Boating

Here you have so many choices to consider. Russell is just about encircled by water and you have to get out onto it to see and enjoy much of what the Bay of Islands really offers the visitor.

Sailing – Opua is the base for yachting charters

Sailing – Day Charters – will pick up at Paihia or Russell Wharfs for a day on the water. You will visit the Islands out in the Bay, have a chance to walk and or swim, plus a variety of lunches are on offer. We have used a Yachting Catamaran- Carino- to go looking to swim with the dolphins – excellent day out – can highly recommend

Sailing – R Tucker Thompson– this is a beautiful gaff-rigged topsail schooner based in Opua. They run both day cruises and some later afternoon short cruises from Russell Wharf up to Opua. Lots of fun and again highly recommended.

Sailing – dinghy hire – check out the Russell beach just below Gables restaurant. We have hired a Hobicat there for an afternoon, great fun.

Day Cruising – there are several Cruise companies, eg FullersGreatSights, boats of choice seem to be good sized catamarans which give good stability in poor weather. Many cruise options – Hole in the Rock Trip, Cream Trip and cruises that take you to the islands where you can land, do walks, get refreshments. Check out the sort of trip to suit your purpose and budget.

And much more nautical experiences – fishing charters, canoeing, parasailing, the list seems endless, but it’s a magic maritime area to explore.

Walks

From our experiences we have found walks:-

Around Russell, over to Tapeka Point, Flagstaff Hill, Long Beach- so plenty to enjoy. Do check out the lovely Museum and then the Russell Church and churchyard, intriguing the headstones of foes lying side by side .

Paihia and up to Waitangi

Driving over to Kerikeri, at Haruru Falls on the way, then at Kerikeri itself a number of lovely walks starting down by the Stone Store.

Golf

This is an activity that my wife and I both enjoy and across the Bay from Russell at Waitangi, there is a lovely 18 hole course, golf buggies available to hire. Stunning views across the Bay of Islands from holes 10 to 16.

The next nearest course is probably Kerikeri, which is also a beautiful course with a couple of super signature holes.

There are many more golf courses, in Northland, from the resort style eg Carrington Golf Course, to the more country course style like Mangonui, which when we last visited had an “ honesty box for green fees”, and a “ rope tow” to help you up a slope. Very pretty, hilly course.

Eating in Russell

Russell is seasonal with its eateries. Some will close over the winter months, others change hands from time to time. We have had great meals at the Duke of Marlborough, at The Gables, at the Swordfish Club and at the Fish and Chip Shop!!

There is a small supermarket just by the Wharf, and it stocks most supplies including beer and wine.

-Kororareka Oysters – less than five minutes drive from Okiato Point to Russell, if you love your oysters, check these out!!! Mmmm.

Waitangi

In the history of New Zealand, Waitangi is a special place, the name of the Treaty between the British Government and the Maori Tribes, and the local golf course.

No first visit to the area would be complete without going to Waitangi, checking out the Treaty Grounds and getting a sense of the history of the nation, which is formally recognised annually every Waitangi Day.