Russell (New Zealand)

Russell is a charming, elegant township in the Bay of Islands, in the Northland region of the North Island of New Zealand. A short passenger ferry ride across the bay from Paihia and the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, this historic town is one of the earliest European settlements in New Zealand, dating back to the early 19th century. Kororāreka, as it was then known, was a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia. Today Russell is still a favoured spot for boaties who seek safe anchorage. You will find a wide range of accommodation available and you can also arrange sightseeing, adventure or fishing activity from the Russell waterfront. If you're planning to do any island or bush hiking, be sure to call into the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre.

Okiato, the port on the Russell side for the vehicular ferry from Opua, is also known as Old Russell, as it was the original Russell, when present-day Russell was still Kororāreka. Old Russell was New Zealand's first capital, in 1840, until Auckland was declared the capital in 1841 and the transfer of the administration was completed in 1842.

By car
Take State Highway 11 to Opua and catch the vehicle ferry to Okiato (Old Russell), 7 km from present-day Russell. The ferry sails every 10 minutes from one side or the other, starting from Okiato at 6:40AM and finishing with the 10PM sailing from Opua. Car and driver $12, additional passengers $1 (Feb 2019).

Or, drive the long way round on a now fully tar-sealed, scenic, coastal route via Oakura by turning off State Highway 1 at Whakapara, about 26 km north of Whangarei.

By boat
Take a passenger ferry from Paihia. Return fares $16 adults, $8 children (under 15 years). The slower ferry takes about 15 minutes. First sailings 7AM from Russell and 7:20AM from Paihia. Final sailings Oct-May 10PM from Russell and 10:30PM from Paihia, Jun-Sep 7PM from Russell and 7:30PM from Paihia.

Do

 * Cruises in the Bay of Islands. Explore and Fuller's Great Sights offer cruises that depart Paihia also pick up and drop off passengers at Russell. See the Paihia article for cruise info.
 * Walk — there is a 1&km walk through a forest to Long Beach. It starts from Wellington Street which runs perpendicular to the Strand at the north end of the village. There are other walks shown on a map provided by hotels and other lodgings.
 * Swimming is better at Long Beach, over the hill, than the town beach. There are public toilets, at a coffee cart in summer.

Buy
Russell offers lots of souvenir shops, clothing, and local art.

Two 4 Square supermarkets (on York St and on the Strand) serve self-caterers.

Eat
There are lots of restaurants along the Strand that have tables along the beach. They offer good meals and craft beers.