Holiday houses & accommodation in Russell

Getting to Your Russell Accommodation

There are several options for getting to your vacation rental in Russell. Driving from Auckland, the quickest way to Russell is to head north on State Highway 1 (SH1) towards Cape Reinga, through Whangarei to the turnoff at Kawakawa, then onto SH11 towards Opua, Paihia, and Russell. Take the vehicle ferry from Opua over to Russell, which runs frequently throughout the day and a little less frequently at night.

Alternatively, if you have time, you can take the incredibly scenic Old Russell Road. To do so, turn off SH1 at Whakapara, situated after Whangarei, then following signs to Oakura. This fully-sealed road winds its way between the Russell Forest and the coast, passing many beautiful beaches, coves, and lookout points worthy of a short photo stop.

There's also a bus from downtown Auckland to Paihia, just across the bay from Russell. Paihia's bus station is about 100m from Paihia Wharf, where you can catch a ferry across to Russell. The majority of the town is within walking distance of the ferry wharf, so it's easy to reach your holiday rental. However, there are local taxi services available if you prefer not to lug your bags.

What to Eat on Your Holiday in Russell

For a small town, Russell has an amazing collection of great places to eat. They're all centred around Russell's main waterfront drag, the Strand, and York Street running parallel behind it. These delicious restaurants and eateries serve up a range of things you'll enjoy during your holiday in Russell.

Don't forget that you're right by the sea. You can't miss trying some delicious local seafood at the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, with locations in both Russell and Paihia. They'll even offer to cook your catch if you've had a successful day out fishing. Or try a warming seafood chowder from The Gables, New Zealand's oldest operating restaurant.

To start your day the right way, enjoy breakfast and magnificent views at Bayside Restaurant & Bar, pick up a loaded bagel from Hell Hole, or try the York Street Cafe for generous portions of pancakes and hearty cooked breakfasts. Hone's Garden make the best pizzas in town, while Green's Traditional Indian & Thai Cuisine adds a bit of spice into the local dining scene. For a good old pub feed, you can't beat the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Family Holidays in Russell

There's loads of family-friendly activities to do in Russell. For starters, you're surrounded by breathtaking beaches, with endless aquatic opportunities. Just a stone's throw from Russell's shops and cafes, Konorareka Bay is a 750m-long beach with gentle swimming, lovely pohutakawa trees, and the historic Russell wharf. If you fancy a bit more space for activities, walk over the hill to Oneroa Bay (aka Long Beach), which is well-sheltered for sea kayaking, snorkelling, and swimming.

In addition to great beaches, Russell is also surrounded by many great coastal walking trails, and one of the best for families with children is the walk over Flagstaff Hill from Russell. You'll explore some native New Zealand bush, see spectacular views from Tapeka Point Historic Reserve, and have a swim at safe, secluded Tapeka Point Beach. If you really want to get off the beaten track, though, make the short drive from Russell to Elliot Bay. This wild, white sand surf beach has no cafes or amenities, but it has rugged beauty by the bucketload.

What to See and Do in Russell

You may not guess it from its tiny population and quiet streets, but Russell is the oldest settled European town in New Zealand. It was even the country's capital for a time. As a result, there's no shortage of important historical buildings and sites to visit. The white, weatherboard 1836 Christ Church, right beside the Russell Museum on Robertson Street, is New Zealand's oldest surviving church, and well worth a visit in conjunction with the museum.

The nearby Pompallier Mission is a real must-visit in Russell. Built in 1842 as a printing works by by the French Catholic mission, it's New Zealand's oldest industrial building and the only building of rammed earth construction from this era in Australasia. Kids can enjoy the hands-on fun of working an old printing press, while everybody can enjoy the beautiful heritage garden grounds and stunning views over the bay. Like other Bay of Islands destinations, Russell is also a place to enjoy many kinds of water activities, from surfing and sailing, to dolphin swimming and fishing.

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