//
Town in the Northland Region of New Zealand
Photo: AlasdairW, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Part of the French Catholic mission headquarters to the Western Pacific, which was in Russell. Erected in 1841-42, this building was a print works and tannery. It is the oldest industrial building in New Zealand. The guide may let you try your hand at operating a printing press. Set in colourful gardens.
A two-room museum with a local history collection.
The oldest remaining church in New Zealand. It still has holes made by musket balls during the Battle of Kororareka between British forces and Maori dissatisfied with British rule on 11 March 1845. The churchyard contains graves of the Maori chief Tamati Waka Nene (c. 1785-1871) and men who died in the 1845 battle.
At the RSA.
19 The Strand. Relaxed fine dining restaurant on the waterfront specializing in local seafood, wine and top cuts of NZ beef and lamb. One of the oldest buildings in the country, it has beautiful wooden floors and panelling, and whale bone foundations.
Set amongst palm trees, never without a relaxed reggae vibe, Hone's serves up casual meals - home-made burgers, fish and chips and salads.
The local fried seafood take-away. Deep fried oysters, wide selection of burgers, chicken, toasted sandwiches, etc.
Eccentric, eclectic luxury.
Opened in 1827 as "Johnny Johnstone's Grog Shop", this is the oldest licensed hotel in the country. Restaurant has dinner mains from $25 to $33.
Motel units with kitchenettes. Short walk to the Russell CBD. Free parking, Wi-Fi. Swimming pool, barbecue area. Studios, 1-bedroom units and 2-bedroom apartments.
15 stand-alone luxury cottages. Part of the Tanoa Hotels group.
This vacation rental has 4 bedrooms sleeping up to 13 guests. All linen is included. On a swimming beach, with a row boat and kayaks.
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.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kerikeri · Regional · KKE
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Russell (New Zealand) and New Zealand.
Travel tipsCompare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
7 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in January for winter sun, deep powder snow and wildlife, comparing Niseko, Sri Lanka, Tromsø and New Zealand.
7 min read
Travel tipsFive of the best countries for solo female travellers, featuring safe night streets, easy public transit, and essential neighbourhood safety tips.
6 min read
Culture & historyExplore famous movie and tv filming locations around the world, from King's Landing in Dubrovnik to the Hogwarts viaduct in Scotland.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.