Twin Coast Discovery Road Trip Northland & Bay of Islands

Russell

Russell Museum sculpture park

The Bay of Island is 144 islands between Cape Brett and Purerua Peninsula. Holiday towns include Opua, Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Mangonui at the northern tip. The legal and cultural heart of the country is centred around Waitangi and its swath of grass dipping into the Bay of Islands inlets. The beginnings of contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand’s story is in Northland. The north is where migration stories are told at Waitangi with its world class story of the development of modern New Zealand. Paihia is an ideal location for visitors wishing to experience a Waitangi immersive experience where the Treaty of Waitangi and the relationship between the Crown (government) and traditional owners is explained.

Christ Church Russell

Russell five highlights:

Bullet holes in the local church from the 1845 Battle of Kororāreka
Placid beautiful foreshore, once the hellhole of the Pacific
Heritage sites from Pompallier House & Duke of Marlborough hotel
Picturesque bays and inlets

Russell is easily explored on foot.

TIP: In the peak summer season it could be difficult to park a motorhome in Russell as there is no dedicated car park rather roadside parking whereby the long length of a motorhome makes parking problematic. Leave your transport at your STAY unless absolutely necessary to have wheels. Motorhome drivers will have issues parking as Russell is equally stringent on traffic parking as Paihia.

Check out Russell, Bay of Islands travel guide for more things to do and see in Russell.