FREE BOOKING SERVICE
Save time and make your holiday with us more enjoyable: Let us take care of your bookings for any trip/cruise, charter, flight. We issue you with a voucher and you can pay everything in one easy bill. PLEASE ENQUIRE - it pays to book ahead in the busy summer months.
Lunch and Sailing on Phantom
Sailing on Gungha II
Hiking track near Oki Bay
Kerikeri Stone Store
Hundertwasser Toilets, in Kawakawa
Waitangi Golf Club - 14th Green
Activities/Things to do in Russell
Click to view video of Russell
1. On the Water
Sailing, a more personalized way to see the Bay.
Trips with only 8 - 10 people
Highly recommended for quiet, friendly adventure.
Lunch included - all gear supplied
Walks, swimming and snorkel trail.
www.yachtphantom.com or www.bayofislandssailing.co.nz
Cruises
Full or half day cruises on modern catamarans "Hole-in-the-Rock" and dolphin viewing and/or swimming
www.explorenz.co.nz or www.fullers-bay-of-islands.co.nz
2. Walks and Hikes/Beaches
In Russell, there are numerous walks from ½ hour to flagstaff hill and over the hill to Tapeka, to Long beach and the new coastal track from Russell to Opua.
If you want a spectacular view of Russell and surrounds why not take a stroll along our brand new elevated walkway from Okiato (near the ferry) to Russell. It's free and it's waiting! Just click here to find out all the details.
Nagiotonga Kauri Grove and the old Russell road beaches are ½ hour drive away and WELL worth a visit/picnic.
Longer hikes include:
- Opua-Paihia walkway 2-3 hours
- Cape Brett walkway 8 hours each way
- Waitangi-Haruru Falls 1½ hours each way
- Whangamumu whaling station 1½ hours each way
Beaches nearby include Long Beach (Oneroa Bay), Russell, Tapeka and Watering Bay (Waihihi) a short walk to a tiny, sheltered bay accessible on foot from Flagstaff Hill.
The old Russell Road has beautiful beaches often secluded, including Elliots Bay, Oke Bay and numerous others approx.1/2 drive from Russell.
Northland Tracks and walks
3. Historic Sites
Russell, the first capital of NZ has several historic sites well worth a visit:
- Christ Church
- Russell Museum
- Flagstaff (Te Maiki) Hill
- Pompallier
- Dept. of Conservation Visitors Centre
In Paihia/Waitangi, visit Waitangi treaty Grounds for a true insight into our early history and the birth of N.Z. as the country we know today.
Further afield:
- Mission Station at Waimate North
- Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri
- Rewas Village and Kororipo Pa
- Kawiti Glow Worm caves 1 km south of Kawakawa
- Hundertwasser Toilets, in Kawakawa
4. Scenic Drives/Flights
Kerikeri town centre, craft shops, chocolate factory,Living Nature factory shop Hokianga and Waipoua forest, home to the giant tane Mahuta Kauri tree Cape Reinga, 3 hour drive each way or best seen from the air half-day flight/4 wheel drive tours www.saltair.co.nz
5. Golf
Closest course: www.waitangigolf.co.nz
Also courses close by at Kerikeri www.kerikerigolf.co.nz, and at Kauri Cliffs www.kauricliffs.nzgolf.net
6. Fishing
Numerous inshore and deep-sea fishing charters available
www.bay-of-islands.co.nz
Great fishing site: www.fishing.net.nz
7. Directories
Internet directories with more activities
Bay of Islands Travel Guide
Bay of Islands . net
Russell Web Site
Russell Visitor's Guide online
8. Promotional Videos