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Sightseeing,
Tours and Events in the Bay of Islands
Things
to do in Russell
Sightseeing in Paihia
Hotels
and Accommodation in the Bay of Islands
Pictures of Russell
 By
Richard Moore
The
historic town of Russell in the Bay of
Islands should be marked as a must-see on any journey to New
Zealand.
It
is quiet, pretty and has an atmosphere of tranquility and charm.
Russell
was the first European settlement in the New Zealand and was the
country's
original capital.
It
can also boast some of the finest early colonial buildings to be
found in New Zealand.
 Mind
you, Russell was once known as a Pacific hellhole filled with debauched
sailors, escaped convicts and wanton women for hire.
It
was also besieged during the Northland Land Wars between the European
government and the local Maoris.
Today
Russell is genteel and it boasts fine cafes and restaurants, many
of them offering superb harbour views.
Russell
is the perfect spot to stay and use as a base for travelling around
the rest of the Bay of Islands.
 Most
tours, like Dolphin Adventures
and harbour cruises,
stop off at Russell and the town is the base for the tall ship R.
Tucker Thompson and its marvellous day voyages depart from there.
From
Flagstaff Hill you can get fantastic views of the water and the
pohutakawa tree-lined seafront is a superb place to sit and relax.
Other
sights to see in Russell are Pompallier House, Christ's Church and
the Maritime Park Visitor Centre.
You
can get to Russell via regular ferry services from Paihia or, if
you want to take your car over and avoid a surprisingly lengthy
drive, take a short trip on the car ferry from Opua.
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