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Bay of Islands, New ZealandRussell Scenic Highlights

Russell | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Nestled in the picturesque Bay of Islands, Russell offers so much to see and discover. Explore the many islands, coves, inlets and beaches surrounding Russell.

Russell Scenic Highlights Overview

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Giant Kauri trees in Waipou Forest, Northland, New Zealand
Giant Kauri Trees in Waipou Forest
Northland
Photographer: Destination Northland
(info@northlandnz.com)

Russell is awash with scenic sights including having its water frond on the pristine Bay of Islands - one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand.

With a warm hospitable climate and breathtaking scenery, this is the spot so many holiday makers make their destination.

Russell Forests

Russell is surrounded by beautiful native New Zealand forest, and built on a thin peninsula stretching right into the Bay of Islands. It is a place that every view in every direction is a beautiful one.

Further past the peninsula is the beautiful green gently rolling countryside of Northland.

Local forest reserves include Horotutu Scenic Reserve, the Scenic Reserve, and the Kororareka Point Scenic Reserve.

Russell Historical Sights

The settlement has historical must see heritage buildings such as the Pompallier French Catholic mission house that is home to a historic printer brought over to printing religious material in the Māori language and the battle scared Christ church building - that still bears the scars of war of over 160 years ago. The town comes complete with its own little museum furnishing a collection of history and more.

Historical Māori sites such as the remains of old Māori pas that were sieged and destroyed by the British in the Flagstaff wars of 1845 are essential destinations for all history lovers. Each pa has its own unique story to tell of the way it was constructed and modified to defend against the fearsome British army, how the battle was fought there, in some cases how the British initially failed to take the fortifications and finally how they were eventually taken or abandoned.

Other historical sites include the Te Maiki Hill or the Flagstaff. The famous flagstaff that was felled four times and lead to the Flagstaff wars is still standing and on display for everyone to see.

Russell Accommodation

Russell is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of accommodation options:

View more Russell Accommodation options.

Useful Russell Links

To help plan your Russell holiday choose from the main categories below:

Russell Region Information

Russell Tourism Operators

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

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Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

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Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.