Russell

TOP THINGS TO DO in Russell

TOP 10 Holiday Park

Gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islandswww.russelltop10.co.nz

Russell

Waihihi Bay

Tapeka Point

Waitata Bay

Oneroa Bay

KororekaBay

Tahapuke Bay

Matauwhi Bay

Pomare Bay

Uruti Bay

Orongo Bay

Te Wahapu InletPipiroa Bay

English Bay

Opua

Paihia

Waitangi

Okiato

1. Cruise the Bay 2. Urupukapuka3. Parasailing4. Cape Reinga5. Fishing Charters6. Sailing Charters

Activity locations Icons in this bookFull day option

Half day option

Evening option

7. Christ Church8. Russell Mini Tours9. Pompallier Mission10. Russell Museum11. Waitangi Treaty Grounds12. Walking

13. Cape Brett14. Russell Nature Tours15. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park 16. Bike Hire17. Water Activities18. Kayaking & SUP

Family friendly

Wet weather

Walking distance from park

Free

Fishing

Sailing

19. Pampering20. Winery21. Eating

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Car ferry(10 min)

Foot ferry(15-20 min)

To Cape Brett

Russell TOP 10Holiday Park

Twin coast cycle trail

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Ask our friendly staff for more info about our local adventures Top 10 member discount

02.01.

5. Fishing Charters from $115 adult

There are many fishing charters available from Russell.Choose between snapper and game fishing trips. Timings and prices vary – enquire at reception for more details.

1. Cruise the Bay from $107 adult $53.50 child

The famous Hole in the Rock is an icon in The Bay of Islands. The open cave was created by the wind and the waves hitting the rock, causing erosion over hundreds of years. Cruises leaving from Russell Wharf take you up close to the rock and even through the cave. A couple of local companies offer this half-day or full-day tour with different inclusions such as the option to swim with the wild dolphins in the bay! Prices vary depending on which tour and inclusions you choose. We can book both of these tours for you – save the hassle and come and see us in reception.

2. Urupukapuka Island and Otehei Bay from $45 adult return

Take your own boat or jump on the Otehei Bay Ferry (summer only) to explore this exquisite island and sheltered bay. Relax on the beach, enjoy the water activities such as swimming & kayaking. Go for one of the many walks on the island and take in the stunning views. Visit the Island Conservation Centre and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink from the fully licensed bar and café.

Out on the Bay

3. Flying Kiwi Parasail “supplier of insane fun since 1998” from $95 adult $65 child

Fly high above the tranquil bay and take in the breathtaking view of the island paradise beneath you. From 1300 feet - New Zealand’s highest parasail - you will have a 360 degree view of the beaches, marine life and watercraft in the idyllic waters. Single, tandem or triple flights are available, with no experience necessary. Talk to our reception staff about your needs.

4. Cape Reinga from $150 adult $75 child

Take a bus ride to the very northern tip of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Drive along the shores of Ninety Mile Beach, stopping at massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand surfing. Round out a true Kiwi experience with fish and chips for lunch. Tour includes free return ferry from Russell. This tour is also available as part of the “Double Dip” package, together with the Hole in the Rock cruise. Ask our reception staff for details.

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6. Sailing Charters from $110 adult

Russell has numerous sailing experiences on offer. From full-day sails & sunset cruises to private charters, there are hundreds of beaches and bays to explore in the Bay of Islands. See our friendly reception staff for more details and pricing.

Hole in the Rock Parasailing

Cape Reinga

Sailing Charters

Roberton Island

Sailing Charters

Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters

Dolphin watching

Seaview barOtehi Bay picnics Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach

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7. Christ Church FREE

Built in 1835, New Zealand’s oldest existing church and possibly the oldest building was registered by Heritage New Zealand in 1983. It still carries the bullet holes from the Maori Wars and to this day still serves its original purpose with services each Sunday at 10.30.

A digital cemetery walk from Hikoi Tahi Walking Tours is available which guides you through the graves and shares the stories of some of the interesting people buried here. [See Section 3, 12a]

8. Russell Mini Tours from $30 adult $15 child

Short on time but keen to get a snapshot of Russell’s earliest history? Russell Mini Tours will take you on an enlightening one-hour tour to areas of historic interest that can be difficult to access on foot. You’ll see sights such as the Giant Sundial, Long Beach, Queen’s View, Tapeka Point and the stunning Flagstaff Hill. $30 per adult and $15 per child. See our reception staff to make a booking.

9. Pompallier Mission $10 adult - kids FREE

Pompallier Mission offers one of New Zealand’s most enjoyable heritage tours and is the country’s oldest industrial building, having been built in 1842 by French Marist Brothers. Originally a printery where Catholic missionaries translated religious texts into Maori before printing and binding them into beautiful books, it now provides a fascinating insight into the lives and times of the nineteenth-century French missionaries. The building itself features unique architecture, surrounded by award-winning gardens and wonderful views across the bay. Tour times are dependent on the season and there is a $10 entry fee per adult.

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History and Culture

10. Russell Museum $10 adult - kids FREE

Did you know that Russell was originally named Kororareka and that it was an established settlement of various Maori tribes long before Captain Cook arrived?

Russell is steeped in history – and the Russell Museum will tell you all about it! Learn about the whaling days and early settler life. Discover why Russell became known as the ‘Hellhole of the Pacific’ and view contemporary exhibitions. You are sure to learn something new about this incredible town. The museum is a must-visit on your trip to Russell. The museum is located on York Street, one street back from the waterfront. It is open every day except Christmas Day and charges $10 admission fee, kids free.

Come and see our reception staff if you would like further information or direction.

11. Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Billed as New Zealand’s most important historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the country’s founding document was signed in 1840: The Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty gave the Maori people the same rights as the British settlers and allowed them to live together under a common set of laws.

Today the Treaty Grounds offer visitors an incredible cultural and historical experience, with a museum, Treaty House, guided tours and cultural performances. Hangi and evening concerts are also offered seasonally. All of this set in lush gardens with stunning views of the bay.

Open every day - $50 per adult, with children under 18 free. See our reception staff to make a booking. Return ferry trips depart daily from Russell jetty.

Christ Church

Pompallier House Russell Mini Tours Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi Evening Performance

Waitangi Meeting House

Russell Museum

$50 adult - kids FREE NZ residents are $25 per adult

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12. Walking FREE

Hikoi Tahi Walking Tours – “Lets Walk Together”A digital guided walk where you can walk in your own time at your own pace listening to local voices telling stories rarely heard before.

Download on iPhone or Android:

[1] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hikoi-tahi-walking-tours/id799185245?ls=1&mt=8

[2].https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app513

Roam around Russell Township – the first permanent European settlement in NZThe town’s original street plan and names date back to 1843. Places of interest include:• the succulent wall garden at Hones Garden, 10 York St.• Christ Church – New Zealand’s oldest existing church

built in 1835. Look closely for the bullet holes in the outside of the building. The grounds contain the graves of some prominent people.

• Wellington Street has interesting houses both historic & modern.

• Stroll along the waterfront on the Strand and peruse the cafes, gift shops and restaurant.

Flagstaff Hill walk One of New Zealand’s most iconic sites providing an excellent, easy walk for the whole family. The walk is a 2.5 kilometre loop providing 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands.

At low tide, walk from the northern end of The Strand, along the beach to Watering Bay and turn inland along the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track

At high tide the loop starts at the intersection of Wellington and Kent Streets, near the boat ramp on The Strand. Clear signage makes it easy to follow the path. (check tides with office staff)

The Full Circle Walk (Ferry incurs cost)It is possible to complete a full circle walk around the main visitor areas of the Bay of Islands by using a combination of the Paihia to Opua Walkway, the Opua car ferry, the Okiato to Russell walkway and the Russell to Paihia ferry (ask reception for more details). In summer, another option is to stop at the Omata Estate Vineyard on your way (see page 10 for more information).

A Hidden GemThis is our favourite best-kept secret walk! Walk to the northwestern end of Longbeach and scramble around some rocks through the well-sheltered Waitata Bay to the big headland named “Temple Bar”. This was fortified by the army and navy during WW2 and known by its official name of C Section. The headland is a conservation reserve and remnants of the fortifications can still be found on it, including army gun bunkers.NOTE: Waitata Bay, nicknamed Donkey Bay – as it was once owned by a family who kept herds of donkeys. (Just be prepared as for many years it has been used as a naturist bathing beach).

13. Cape Brett Lighthouse Walk $40 pp / FREE

People say they feel like they are ‘visiting the end of the earth’ when walking the Cape Brett Lighthouse track. It is a stunning walk; however, beware it is not for the faint-hearted! This walk takes around eight hours each way, it can be undulating and steep at times and requires a good level of fitness. From the forested ridges, you can take in spectacular coastal scenery. Towards the Cape, walking alongside the dramatic cliff-face, you can see abundant fish and bird life below - often dolphins and seals will come close to shore. The walk is not a loop – if you wish to walk only one way, you can catch a water taxi to/from Deep Water Cove or Cape Brett Landing.

There is a $40 per person fee for crossing private land between Rawhiti and Deep Water Cove (it’s well worth it!), and another $15 if you wish to make use of the hut on the peninsula – it includes beds and cooking equipment. The hut can become crowded at times and we recommend you are prepared for an overnight stay with your own equipment.

NOTE: There is no charge for the section of track between Deep Water Cove and Cape Brett, or Whangamumu to Te Toroa Bay.See our reception staff for more details and booking assistance.

14. Back to Nature with Russell Nature Walks (summer only) $55 adult - $25 child

The Kiwi bird is a New Zealand icon, but did you know they are rare, flightless, nocturnal and extremely shy? In fact, most New Zealanders have never seen a wild Kiwi! But Russell is special – it’s one of the last areas where kiwi and weka (another rare bird) still exist in the wild. Your best opportunity to hear or, if you’re lucky and quiet, to see a kiwi is a “Night Walk” with Russell Nature Walks. Stroll through a private forest conservation area, learn about this amazing bird and other night creatures. Or learn about native plants, their traditional uses and bird conservation on the “Ecology Walk”. The Walks are suitable for most fitness levels and the minimum age for the Night Walk is 10 years – younger children enjoy the “Ecology Walk”. Prices vary depending on the walk you choose – starting at $55 for adults and $25 for children. $15 from each booking goes directly to conservation projects. Let us make your booking at reception.

15. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park $10 pp

The family that cycles together, stays together! If your family likes to play outdoors, be sure to check out this community - run mountain bike park in the Waitangi Endowment Forest. Offering 30 trails of varying difficulty, it is perfect for the whole family to join in.

The park was built by the community for the benefit of the community. Riding is $10 per person for a day pass, which goes towards maintaining the park. Return ferry departs daily from the Russell jetty. See our reception staff for details.

You can also hire bikes from Pahia Mountain Bikes. Their hire fee includes a shuttle to and from the MTB Park plus entry.

16. Bike Hire $59 adult and $40 child.

With so many things to do and see in Russell, what better way to get around than on a bicycle. Most of Russell’s stunning landscape and historical hotspots can be accessed by bike or electric bike.

For the slightly more adventurous, the section from Opua to Kawakawa finds you riding on a disused railway track, alongside a beautiful estuary, through a tunnel and across bridges. On the final 4 kms you will share the track with a vintage steam railway. The track is flat and easy to ride – you do not need to be an expert cyclist . You can then stop for lunch at Kawakawa and view the world famous Hundertwasser toilets before returning to Opua.

Our local hire companies offer half and full day hire options including helmets (prices vary). Ask our reception staff to make a booking on your behalf.

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WALKING AND RIDING

Full Circle Walk Map

Amazing cycle trails

Cape Brett Lighthouse Weka Ecology Walk Hundertwasser Toilets Mountain Biking

Flagstaff hill

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17. Water Activities FREE

Russell is home to some of the best beaches in New Zealand, giving you plenty of options to swim, snorkel, fish, dive and kayak.

SnorkellingTapeka Point is a great place to snorkel – 2km from central Russell. Tapeka Point beach also offers amazing all tide swimming at its best, as the tide does not go out far and the water gets deep quickly. The beach includes toilets, boat ramp and diving pontoon.

Surfing – SwimmingOneroa Bay or Long Beach is a spectacularly beautiful and safe swimming beach. It can be reached on foot or by vehicle via the Long beach walkway which is the easiest pedestrian route from Russell. For those who are looking for a wave, on the East coast and around 30 minutes drive from Russell, Elliot Bay is a rugged and exposed surf beach with beautiful white sand.

Shore FishingThere are numerous good fishing spots in town, either from the jetty (by day or night) or from the rocks in front of the Pompallier Mission.

Long Beach has excellent fishing right off the beach or on the rocks.

From Tapeka Point go down to the end of Du Fresne place where there is a little gravel carpark. From the left you can walk around a couple of bays to get to Flat rock (accessible 3 hours either side of low tide). Good snapper, kahawai and trevally. Or go right out onto the rocks you see at the point which is great fishing for snapper, especially at dusk.

Bait can be purchased from either of the Four Square supermarkets or the tackle shop in town. Some of the fish you may catch are kingfish, snapper or kahawai.

19. Pampering treatments from $40

Keen for a little R&R during your stay in Russell? Take some time out and indulge in a luxurious massage, facial, manicure or pedicure. Ask us for a recommendation.

20. Wineries and Wine Tasting Open during summer only

The Omata Estate vineyard (open during summer only) is located at 212 Auks Road (6kms from Russell) and offers free wine tasting. There is also a kitchen offering woodfired pizzas and sharing platters.

Courtesy transport can be arranged at reception depending upon availability of Omata staff. Alternatively there is a walking track and boardwalk through native bush from Russell to the vineyard which takes approximately 2 hours each way. OR for the very adventurous, try your hand at kayaking to Omata Beach and walking up to the vineyard.

Paroa Bay Winery is a 15 minute drive from Russell. A boutique estate with traditional handmade wines and offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine in its new restaurant, Sage. Note, charges apply for wine tastings.

18. Kayaking & Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) from $20 per hour or tours from $95

The Bay of Islands is New Zealand’s marine paradise and what better way to explore it than by kayak or paddleboard.

If you don’t have your own kayak there are local hire companies and also experienced local guides who lead a range of different tours, from one-hour to sunset and overnight options. There is so much to explore, including mangroves, waterfalls and deserted islands. You may be lucky to paddle alongside dolphins and see some of the most stunning landscape in the country. Prices vary - ask our reception staff for details and to make a booking.

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AT THE BEACH INDULGENCE

Paddling in the Bay

Russell Township

Adventure on the water Get a relaxing massage

Omata Estate

21. Eating

There are many food options in Russell to choose from. Explore the township to find the many different cafes and eateries. From fish & chips, contemporary, Asian to a la carte fine dining.

• Smoke your own fresh “catch” at Russell Top 10 Holiday Park’s own smokehouse.

• Visit the Kororareka oyster shop at 6021 Russell Whakapara Road and buy fresh oysters and smoked fish – Note: check opening times with reception.

• Bring your own freshly caught fish to various local restaurants and they will cook it for you - ask at reception.

Russell wharf

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info@russelltop10.co.nz www.russelltop10.co.nz

1 James Street, Russell

0800 148 671

Please note all prices were correct at time of print and are subject to change.