Russell Accommodation

Relaxed atmosphere

If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere while exploring the Bay of Islands, look no further than Russell. This historic little town offers a good range of accommodation and an excellent choice of restaurants and shops.

Apart from the grand old Duke of Marlborough Hotel (New Zealand’s first licenced hotel) with its olde worlde charm and prime location right on the waterfront, you have many holiday homes and boutique B&Bs along with a few motels to choose from in Russell.

Russell has a historic reputation as the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’ thanks to its importance as the first European settlement in New Zealand back in the late 19^th century. In those days, Kororareka, as it was called, was a swashbuckling shore station for the many whalers and seal-hunters who flocked here from around the world.

Today, thankfully, it shows a more genteel nature as a romantic holiday destination with its range of charming restaurants and cafes, abundant fresh local produce and seafood, exquisitely restored historic buildings and excellent art galleries.

If you make Russell the base for your Bay of Islands experience, you have all the Bay has to offer on your doorstep. Fishing trips, sailing and dolphin encounters are high on the list with wonderful walks to local places of historical interest also available from Russell.

Flagstaff Hill with its magnificent views overlooking the Bay of Islands is only a short walk away. You can also walk to Tapeka Point Historic Reserve on a headland at the end of the peninsula as well as Oneroa Bay (Long Beach) where you will discover a gently shelving beach sheltered from wind and safe for swimming.