Russell Bay of Islands Accommodation and Attractions

This town in the Bay of Islands area was once known as “the hell hole of the southwest Pacific” because of the pirates who prowled the area. Today, the looting and plundering have been replaced by game fishing (some of the world’s largest marlins have been pulled out of the bay).

Russell accommodation includes a range of Bed and Breakfasts, Holiday Parks, Lodges, and Motels.

The Strand, Russell’s main street, runs north-south along the bay. In the middle of the Strand is a pier, with a Tourist Information Office and fishing tours. After stopping by for information, go south along the Strand to see the Captain Cook Museum and the Pompallier House (one of the oldest houses in New Zealand). East of the museum is Christ Church (the oldest church in New Zealand still pockmarked with bullet holes from the Pakeha-Maori wars of the 1830s). North of town is Flagstaff Hill, which affords a nice view. It’s also notable for having been the cause of battles. Maori chiefs chopped down the flagpole (along with its British flag) on the hill four times, upsetting the settlers. The current, fifth pole has stood since 1840. A 15-minute walk east of town brings you across the peninsula to beautiful Long Beach on Waitata Bay (the north end has a nudist beach).