About Russell
This charming seaside village has a surprising past.
Where is Russell?
Russell is New Zealand’s oldest European settlement and is situated on a peninsula across the harbour from Paihia. It can be reached by passenger ferry, car ferry or by road.
Russell History
Russell, or Kororāreka as it is also known, was an established Māori settlement long before Captain Cook arrived in 1769. It’s said to have gained its name when a wounded chief asked for some healing penguin soup. Upon tasting the broth, he said ‘Ka reka ko kororā’, meaning ‘how sweet is the penguin’.
In the early 1800s, international ships began visiting Russell to trade with the locals. Sailors, whalers and traders began to congregate there – some of them less than reputable. In no time the town was transformed into a lawless and bawdy port, known as the ‘Hell hole of the Pacific’.
With this kind of atmosphere it’s not surprising that a Russell tavern called the Duke of Marlborough obtained New Zealand’s first ever liquor licence in the 1840s. You can still see the licence hanging over the bar today!
The missionaries did their best to keep Russell respectable. Christ Church, the country’s oldest surviving church, was built in 1835, and the Marist society led by Bishop Pompallier set up their headquarters there in 1839.
After the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, Governor Hobson chose Okiato, just to the south, as New Zealand’s first capital. He renamed it Russell after Lord John Russell, who was then the British colonies' Secretary of State. A year later Hobson changed his mind and moved the capital down to Auckland. Over the years Kororareka, as Russell’s port, adopted the name in its stead.
Tensions between Māori and the British were high after the Treaty signing. To Māori, the Union Jack flying high on Flagstaff Hill (Maiki Hill) above the harbour became a symbol of their loss of self-government. From 1844-1845 it was cut down in protest four times – three times by Ngapuhi chieftain Hone Heke, and once by an ally. After the fourth provocation war broke out in Russell and around Northland; Christ Church still bears the holes where it was hit by stray bullets.
Today the town of Russell is a peaceful haven, known not only for its heritage buildings but for big game fishing, thanks to American writer Zane Grey, who in the 1920s described the Bay of Islands as ‘the Angler’s El Dorado’.
What to do in Russell
The easiest way to get to Russell is by passenger ferry – catch one from the Paihia wharf and cruise across the Bay to explore the township. If you’re visiting by car, there’s also a vehicle ferry.
Our Hole in the Rock and Cream Trip cruises visit Russell on their way out into the Bay, so if you're staying in Russell you can join the cruise there. Even better, our Hole in the Rock cruises include a free passenger ferry ticket so you can stop off and explore Russell on the way back!
The Russell mini tour is a great way to get an overview of the town’s key attractions. You can delve further into the town’s history at the Russell Museum, or wander around Christ Church and read the fascinating gravestones in the cemetery outside. Visit Pompallier House, an architecturally unique built as a printing house and tannery by the Catholic mission.
Go fishing off the wharf, enjoy a swim in Kororareka Bay or climb over the hill to Oneroa (Long Beach) or Tapeka Point. Bicycles and boats are available for hire, or charter a boat for a fishing or sailing expedition.
If you have the time and energy, seeing Russell and its surrounds on foot is a great way to go. Wander up Flagstaff Hill to see the famous flagpole, complete one of Russell’s several heritage trails or do the Coastal Walk from Russell to Okiato. Find out more about Bay of Islands walks and hikes.
When it comes to dining, the waterfront offers a great range of options, including the infamous Duke of Marlborough and The Gables – both historic buildings serving up fine dining experiences.
Staff tip: You can’t beat taking the ferry to Russell for fish and chips on the beach of an evening – Ryan, Projects Manager
Where to stay in Russell
Russell's quiet charm and historic buildings make it a delightful place to stay in the Bay of Islands. From luxury lodges and hotels to B&Bs and campgrounds, there's accommodation in Russell for every budget.