Russell Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Russell showing a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Sip drinks at charming oceanfront cafés, relax on picturesque sandy beaches and visit historic buildings in this popular town in the Bay of Islands.

Swimming, nature walking and fishing charters are just some of the many outdoor activities on offer in the seaside town of Russell. This pretty waterside settlement has excellent attractions, such as a 19th-century church and a museum, as well as historic hotels. Book a whale-watching charter for the chance to see the giant mammals breaching the water and taste excellent New Zealand wines at a nearby winery.

Russell was one of the first permanent European settlements in New Zealand. A safe anchoring place, it frequently attracted Europeans on whaling expeditions. European and American ships visiting here stimulated trade with the indigenous Māori. Learn about Russell’s remarkable Māori heritage and early European history at the town’s small historical museum.

See fascinating objects, such as scale model of the British Royal Navy research vessel, HMS Endeavour, at Russell Museum. The museum aims to preserve the history of Russell through exhibits on Māori heritage, European seafarers and settlement. The museum also showcases fascinating Māori items, including traditional weapons, fishing equipment and weavings.

Wander along the jetty at Russell Beach and watch fishermen cast into Kororareka Bay. Browse the antique stores and shops that line the beach and sip drinks at cafés and restaurants, some of which have outdoor seating. If you need a change of scenery, walk from here over to Long Beach in about 20 minutes. This sandy beach is a great place to lie out, swim and picnic.

Don’t miss Christ Church, one of the oldest standing churches in New Zealand. The historic building was completed in the 19th century. Now wonderfully restored, the church and the adjoining cemetery are a peaceful and tranquil place to visit.

Discover the historic town in the Bay of Islands, located in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. Russell is about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from Auckland. Visitors who plan on driving will have to take the car ferry from Opua to Okiato to reach here. Russell is also connected to the popular tourist town of Paihia by frequent sea ferries.

Where to stay in Russell

Default Image

Te Wahapu

When in Te Wahapu, you can plan a visit to Paihia Beach and Russell Christ Church, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Te Wahapu
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
4.5 out of 5
35 The Strand, Bay of Islands, Russell
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$141 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$141
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Russell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (716 reviews)
"We loved the decor and the excellent customer service and support from reception to the wait staff etc.,,,,,"

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park
Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park
4 out of 5
5960 Russell Road, Russell
The price is AU$72 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$72
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified holiday park in Russell. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Paihia ...
7.8/10 Good! (83 reviews)
"New owners had just taken over 5 days before we arrived so will love to see how they put their mark on the place. Good facilities but have been unloved for a while so new owners will spruce things up and it’ll be a gem….we will come back again and in summer to enjoy the pool. Our room was good, had ..."

Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2024

Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park
Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest
5 out of 5
60 Tapeka Road, Bay of Islands, Russell
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Russell. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and Bay of Islands are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
1st Wedding Anniversary
"Perfect romantic escape for our 1st wedding anniversary. Stunning and private location and in room chef was a fantastic way to cap the experience."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2018

Eagles Nest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Teaghlach: Tapeka / Russell Holiday Home
Teaghlach: Tapeka / Russell Holiday Home
Tapeka Point (Russell)
Stay at this vacation home in Russell. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and Bay of Islands are located nearby.
Teaghlach: Tapeka / Russell Holiday Home
Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views
Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views
Russell
Stay at this apartment in Russell. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and Netflix. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and Bay of Islands are located nearby.
Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views
Villa 2 Te Maiki - Panoramic views - private enclave close to Russell township
Villa 2 Te Maiki - Panoramic views - private enclave close to Russell township
Russell
Stay at this vacation home in Russell. Enjoy a garden and patios. Popular attractions Paihia Beach and Bay of Islands are located nearby.
Villa 2 Te Maiki - Panoramic views - private enclave close to Russell township
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Russell

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
62
" "5 - Excellent 82.66666666666667%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 16%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 1.3333333333333333%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Russell is a beautiful, good vibe place. I love it there ❤️

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This visit we opted for smaller tour operators and rate them very highly: Sea Shuttle - a 4-5 hour adventure to Roberton Island and Urupukapuka Island for snorkeling, paddle-boarding and nature walks. Russell Nature Walks for Kiwi spotting at night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful place to spend time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Russell is a beautiful destination and will surely return. Having accommodation that was clean and the owners ever so helpful was a bonus.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Oh it is just beautiful .One of the BEST places in the WORLD

5/5 - Excellent

Tru

The Pompallier mission and printers is very interesting. The Russell Boat Club served an awesome steak

Cities near Russell