Stay in the peaceful seaside town of russell and explore the history and culture of new zealand in the many historical places. Things to do in the bay of islands the duke of marlborough. The bay of islands is known as the gamefishing capital of new zealand. Russell top 10 holiday park bay of islands accommodation. Experience the very best of the bay of islands on this shore excursion, including tours and exploration of paihia, russell, kerikeri, haruru falls and the waitangi treaty grounds.
Tanoa russell cottages lie in the heart of the tranquil historic town of russell, wellknown for being the birthplace of the treaty of waitangi. The staff were awesome and really went above and beyond to make our stay extra special. See the stunning beauty of the bay of islands and northland region in the comfort of our modern airconditioned coaches while your local guide brings history and culture to life. Your cruise begins in waitangi, where in 1840 new zealands founding document between the british crown and the maori chieftains was signed.
History of the bay of islands new zealand archives bay of. On a visit one july, we found the deep golden colours of the sunset nearly warm enough to allow us to forget it was winter in new zealand. The rock overnight cruise cruises the bay of islands for 22 hours, incorporating lots of water activities, island walks, onboard meals, as well as time to watch the stunning scenery and wildlife. Want to learn more about russell kororarekas colourful history. The bay of islands history is incredible, and our captain seemed to know everything that had occurred since the 1700s, when russell first attracted visitors.
Situated right across the bay from paihia, russell is steeped in history and has a very laid back feel. Bay of islands, new zealand relaxing lunch cruise to historic. Bay of islands history bay of islands travel information. Hole in the rock and the rich history and scenery that makes up the bay of islands. It can be reached by passenger ferry, car ferry or by road. Youll have the opportunity to visit paihia, russell, waitangi, cape reinga the very tip of new zealand and some of the 144 islands that make up the magnificent bay of islands. In the 1830s it was a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from australia.
Apr 05, 2020 kororareka the place of the sweet penguins as you stroll round russell, bay of islands today, youre walking back in time. Visiting paihia and russell bay of islands go rentals. Bookme 50% off deals things to do in paihia, russel, bay. Looking at russell today, it is hard to believe that this picturesque little town used to be one of the most anarchistic corners of new zealand. Russell is an historic spot, dating from the early 19th century and known until the early 1840s as kororareka. The only holiday parkcampground right in russell township. Russell post centre, stationery, newsagents, books, second hand books, magazines, cards, postcard. Russell bay of islands new zealand the historic town. Russell orongo bay holiday park offers an authentic bay of islands holiday experience and a a central base to discover the unique bay of islands. Discover 326 holiday homes to book online for your bay of islands, far north district holiday. As you stroll round russell, bay of islands today, youre walking back in time. Your blue and white mini bus departs from russell wharf on a tour which visits areas of historic interest which cannot be conveniently covered on foot. Of russell, in the bay of islands, new zealands first settlement.
The area is home to a huge number of activities, from lounging on boats cruising around the various islands, to scenic helicopter or fixed wing flights. Discover the beautiful bay of islands new zealand was first discovered about years ago by the great polynesian navigator kupe who sailed here from his homeland hawaiki. Take in the sights of russell on an intimate onehour coach tour combining historical knowledge and local insight. Du fresnes acceptance of the philosopher jeanjacques rousseaus beliefs about noble savages was to have unfortunate consequences. Dune rider with discover the bay, dolphin discovery and or hole in the rock trips. Russell bay of islands accommodation accommodation in russell. History of the bay of islands new zealand archives bay. Russell top 10 holiday park has something for everyone, families, caravanners, campers and backpackers alike. Located on the waterfront of russell in the bay of islands, the duke of marlborough hotel offers an outstanding restaurant, accommodation and event venue. Choose among the exciting activities we offer and book your dream island holiday now. One of the surviving witnesses is russells historic restaurant the gables, built in 1847. Kororareka the place of the sweet penguins as you stroll round russell, bay of islands today, youre walking back in time.
Russell history russell bay of islands new zealand. Everything was spotless and russell is an ideal starting point to explore bay of islands. Enjoy lunch on a leisurely cruise through the beautiful calm waters of bay of islands, passing a vineyard, an oyster farm and several historical sites before reaching the port of russell. In the 1830s it was a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and. Book this bay of islands tour for a memorable scenic adventure at a low. Taking you to where you need to go and helping you with things to do, places to stay and what to eat. For weddings or any event we offer transport to and from your venue and can accommodate 18 per coach and 9 for the mini van. Russell was the first capital city of new zealand and dates back to. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its biggame fishing since american angler and author zane grey publicized it in the 1930s calling it the anglers eldorado. May 10, 2020 the bay of islands country rock festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the bay of islands of new zealand one of the top tourist spots of the country.
Head to russell for a mini tour and learn about its role in new zealand history. It is isolated on a narrow peninsula giving it an island ambience. Your next subtropical location is tapeka point and the stunning 360 degree vistas of flagstaff. Russell, or kororareka as it is also known, was an established maori settlement long before captain cook arrived in 1769. Learn about significant sites like pompallier house and christ church and stand atop flagstaff hill for stunning bay of islands views. Discover the bay discover the hole in the rock, view dolphins and visit otehei bay on our premium cruise and experience the very best of what the bay of islands has to offer. Russell boating club nz all about the russell boating cub. Today a place of holiday fun and water adventures, russell was once a place of blood, whalers, sealers and sailors. Russell holds an important place in new zealands history, being the countrys first sea port, its first european settlement and new zealands first capital in nearby okiato. The bay of islands is an area on the east coast of the far north district of the north island of. Holding new zealands first liquor licence, this historical beauty has been lovingly restored and offers her visitors a great place to relax, unwind and watch the world go by. For the third year running in 2018 the very popular short ships event and revamped motukiekie island sandbar cricket day were very well attended events. The towns original street plan and names from 1843 are still intact and feature some of new zealands oldest and most significant historic buildings. This energetic adventure through the laid back bay of islands paihia showcases the giant sundial near long beach before driving to idyllic queens view.
Bay of islands and historic russell tour from auckland. It opens to the sea through an 11mile 18kilometre wide passage. Holiday home, luxury accommodation, retreat russell. Super friendly host and privatecy at the same time. The result is a map which he has called ipipiri, a name used by the maori to refer to what captain cook named the bay of islands. Also known as old russell, okiato is a historic holiday spot just seven. The bay of islands offers the visitor so many things to do with lots of activities, short walks, tours and attractions to choose from. Book printed material identifying freshwater ecosystems with nationally important natural heritage values. It is hoped to develop more non sailing events so that there is an opportunity for everyone to get out on the water in the bay of islands and enjoy themselves in the future. The bay has many interesting historic towns including paihia, russell, waitangi and kerikeri. On this budget, youll stay in a dorm room or camp, cook all of your meals, do free outdoor activities, visit just a few paid attractions, and use rideshares to.
Joanna wane visits russell once the legendary hellhole of the south pacific at the heart of new zealands origin story. Russell is the perfect base to explore much that the bay of islands. Fishing charters bay of islands russell information centre. While staying at the decks of paihia we can recommend and book air, land and. The 20 new zealand census recorded a resident population of 720, a decrease of 96 from 2006. The bay of islands is located about 225 kilometres north of auckland along the pacific coast. A peaceful and picturesque township set deep in the bay of islands, russell is renowned as a biggame fishing centre and as a holiday town of major historical interest. Russell information centre book tours and accommodation in. Russell bay of islands new zealand aerial view youtube.
Duke of marlborough hotel holding new zealands first liquor licence, this historical beauty has been lovingly restored and offers her visitors a great place to relax, unwind and watch the. The 10 best restaurants in russell updated may 2020. Russell holds an important place in new zealands history, its first european settlement and new zealands first capital. There is a regular ferry service across from paihia so russell still gets a high volume of tourist traffic but it always feels a bit more sleepy. The duke of marlborough hotel in russell bay of islands. Russell bay of islands new zealand visitor information. Known until the early 1840s as kororareka, russell was the first town and sea port in new zealand. The 10 best bay of islands hotels where to stay in bay. You will enjoy remarkable views of the bay of islands and share in the local history through your drivers informative commentary. Russell museum now has a great new exhibit on display for visitors to experience, an interactive digital map called ipipiri. Russell cottages, bay of islands, things to do in bay of. Its sheltered, white sand beaches are highly desired in the summer months by avid surfers, snorkellers, fishers and campers. Book tickets and cruise to the hole in the rock in the bay. It is the ideal accommodation for your bay of islands holiday a place to relax away from the city noises amidst the song of birds.
The town of waitangi is an incredibly important site in new zealands history. The image has changed but russell is still a provisioning base for pleasure craft cruising the bay of islands and the south pacific. Russell bay of islands new zealand the historic town of. Located close to the quaint and historic russell village, russell orongo bay holiday park is set in 14 picturesque acres in a kiwi and weka protection zone.
Each year the festival features more than 50 acts from new zealand and australia performing at multiple venues. Journey to the top of new zealand, cape reinga via 90 mile beach in our unique dune rider vehicle. Around russell showing the picturesque town and the ancient. With our nature guide on board, youll have the opportunity to learn and ask questions as you journey across the sea. Cruise the charming bay of islands in paihia and marvel at subtropical island views. Russell is a quaint and historic town in the bay of islands, with lovely accommodation and an excellent range of restaurants. Complete the experience with a visit to the waitangi treaty grounds. Motel russell is set in an acre of subtropical gardens within a gentle short stroll of russell village, beach, wharf, shops, museum and restaurants. A pictureperfect seaside town, russell is situated on a peninsula across the harbour from paihia.
As we waited for the ferry from russell, the bay of islands sunset captivated us. Russell history bay of islands travel guide new zealand. Ipipiri is the maori name for the eastern bay of islands, and the mapping table now joins captain cooks endeavour as a museum must see attraction. Tranquil times 1920s russell discovered as an idyllic place for holidays or retirement. Its tranquility belies the frantic activity of its wild early days when, as the centre of the first european settlement, it. Feb 04, 2016 paihia is an excellent base from which to explore the bay of islands. It is situated in the bay of islands, in the far north of the north island. Russell cottages, bay of islands just 3 hours drive north of auckland, russell cottages is a well known jewel in new zealands bay of islands and the departure.
Township on the inner reaches of the bay of islands. For such a symbolic moment, the events of 14 july offered little drama the first member of new zealands inaugural parliament, hugh carleton, was elected unopposed at russell in the bay of islands. Situated above the town of russell, cloud 9 is blessed with views across both the pacific ocean and the bay of islands in which russell nestles. Bay of islands history russell information centre book. The town continued to expand until the countrys first capital at okiato formerly old russell moved to auckland. Historic russell in bay of islands, new zealand 1966. Russell tourist places are also available from isite visitor information centres. From adrenalinepumping adventure to a relaxing day out you need never be bored in russell, bay of islands, northland, new zealand. Although a modern catamaran now takes this historical route of the original cream trip, bay. Russell cottages luxury apartments in russell, new zealand.
A brief view of the islands towards cape brett and the hole in the rock before following the clear water towards tapeka point. Bay of islands, bay of the south pacific ocean and geographic region, northern north island, new zealand, formed when the sea flooded an old river valley system. The 10 best things to do in russell 2020 with photos. A most noble anchorage a story of russell and the bay of islands. Bay of islands nzhistory, new zealand history online. The bay of islands by jack lee, a popular history book of the area where new zealand as a nation was born. Russell is a charming town, russell, formerly known as kororareka, was the first permanent european settlement and sea port in new zealand. Russell mini tours offer coaches for charter services in the bay of islands. The trip to paihia from auckland will take you around 33.
Country rock festival russell bay of islands new zealand. If you have your own transport there are two main ways to get to russell, depending on how much time you have. Its tranquility belies the frantic activity of its wild early days when, as the centre of the first european settlement, it was known as the hellhole of the pacific. Writings on russell history living history two hundred years of stories. Russell holds an important place in new zealands history, being the countrys first sea port, its first european settlement and new zealands first. We often make the bay of islands the first overnight stop when we are road tripping from auckland to cape reinga. Kororareka developed because of trade but soon earned a very bad reputation, a community without laws and full of prostitution, and became known as the hell hole of the pacific, despite the translation of its name being how sweet is the penguin. Russell nz is the birthplace of new zealand, home to the original signing of the treaty of waitangi. Rent a holiday accomodation for short and long term stay on bookabach. The polynesians werent too sure about these visitors. One of new zealands great holiday destinationsstunningly beautiful and historically significant and enjoyed by domestic and international visitors alike. We have two coaches and a mini van for your transport requirements. Russell more than a place brief social history of russell from the earliest days until.
Stories from russells and the bay of islandss turbulent past. This charming town is the perfect base for exploring the bay of islands. Home russell history as you stroll round russell, bay of islands today, youre walking back in time. Charles darwin was four years at sea and a world away from home when the beagle sailed into the bay of islands in 1835 and dropped anchor. On this 3 day bay of islands tour from auckland, well travel to northland and explore some of the bay of islands before heading back to auckland. Russell, known as kororareka in the early 19th century, was the first permanent european settlement and seaport in new zealand. See the very top of new zealand on a cape reinga tour including ninety mile beach, visit kerikeri and enjoy local delicacies, see historic sights on a russell tour, or. What to do, see and eat in russell, bay of islands bay. The red pohutukawa flowers would have been fringing the land, with every cicada rasping in the worlds biggest orchestra. For many, paihia is the chosen base for exploring the bay of islands and the far north, especially if you are driving. The lindis group offers exceptional leisure experiences through luxury accomodation situated in the most breathtaking and stunning areas throughout new zealand. After a busy day enjoying all that the bay of islands has to offer, youll love coming back to your home away from home to relax and wind down.
A railway to kawakawa and a road connecting with the car ferry to the russell peninsular make opua a natural crossroads for travellers. The following titles are available from the russell museum. The bay of islands by jack lee, a popular history book of the area where new zealand as a nation. The following books are available to purchase at the russell museum. Cloud 9 is on a private road and benefits from beautiful natural bush surroundings. The majority of citizens would have been people you wouldnt want to meet after dark. Book tours and accommodation in russell and the bay of islands things to do, places to stay in russell. Cabinmotel accommodation, caravan and camping sites, ocean views, walk to russell township and close to all the adventure of the bay of islands nz. Russell bay of islands contributor names photoglob co. Read about the history of hone heke cutting down the flagstaff flying the british flag. Book activities and attractions in the bay of islands decks of paihia. Bay of islands tour 3 day bay of islands tour haka tours.