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Before you go
Your trip to Russell (Kororāreka).
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Russell (Kororāreka) – Northland Destination Bay of Islands
How to get there
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Aeroporto da Baía das Ilhas (KKE) Kerikeri · 40 km
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Cais de Russell 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From Paihia, by passenger boat in about 15 minutes, with frequent departures. By car, via the vehicle ferry between Opua and Okiato — a short crossing — then about 10 km by road. The boats that visit the Hole in the Rock also stop at Russell’s pier.
How many days
Half a day: departing from Paihia, you can see the waterfront, Christ Church, the Pompallier Mission and Flagstaff Hill. If you want peace and quiet, Russell can be used as a base in the Bay of Islands.
When to go
Year-round. From December to March there are more boats and activity on the waterfront; in winter months the village is quiet and some restaurants reduce their hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The village is walked on foot, and the boat links it with Paihia. A car is only needed for beaches and coves that are far from the peninsula.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Russell (Kororāreka)
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Morning
Pompallier Mission
Arrive by boat from Paihia and follow the waterfront to the Pompallier Mission for the guided tour of the printworks and tannery.
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Afternoon
Christ Church and the waterfront
Visit Christ Church and the cemetery, have lunch on the waterfront and walk along The Strand between wooden houses and fig trees.
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Late afternoon
Flagstaff Hill
Walk up Flagstaff Hill to view the bay at sunset and return to Paihia by boat.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Was Russell the first capital of New Zealand?
The first capital, from 1840 to 1841, was at Okiato, about 7 km from present-day Russell, which was then called Kororāreka. The name Russell was applied to the village later.
How do I get from Paihia to Russell?
The passenger boat departs from the Paihia pier and takes about 15 minutes. If you’re driving, use the vehicle ferry from Opua.
Can Russell be seen in half a day?
Yes. The village is small: in three to four hours you can see the waterfront, Christ Church, the Pompallier Mission and Flagstaff Hill.
Is it worth staying overnight in Russell?
If you prefer a quiet, historic village, yes. Boat tours also stop at Russell’s pier.