Triton Suites Motel

Beach & sea views

by Kate-Me

Russell's little waterfront area is quite small, quaint and natural. I enjoyed my waterfront walk here much more than Paihia, where in comparison, there's too much going on.
Russell is quite leisurely.

Quaint little Russell

by Kate-Me

The small seaside town of Russell is also somewhat known by its original Maori name, Kororareka (meaning "sweet penguin" after a Maori legend which relates to the site)

Captain Cook sailed into the Bay of Islands in 1769.

The town was named Russell in 1844.

To reach Russell, you travel across the bay by 10 minute foot passenger or car ferry from Paihia. There is a way by road, but a much longer route.

The main street I enjoyed most was The Strand, which is a narrow laneway leading along the waterfront.

Russell's population is about 1000 people.

More info: www.russell.gen.nz

view of part of the Strand, looking back from the Pier.

Russell Police Station, also on The Strand, just steps from the waterfront, with great views of the bay.

Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

by worldkiwi

"History, nature, and sunshine!"

Russell (once known as Kororareka), was New Zealand's first capital and major European town. It wasn't the sleepy, picturesque town it is now, being a place of revelry for whalers and sailors onshore for short times in the 19th Century.
Today, stroll along the waterfront past verandahs attached to buildings reminicent of another age. There is a lot of history here to explore and you can enjoy it all on foot... there's not much traffic in Russell!
On this page there is a picture of Russell taken from across the harbour at Paihia.

RUSSELL

by shiran_d

"RUSSELL"

Russell’s seaside setting and ‘Old World’ charm makes it a pleasure to stroll along the esplanade. Quaint colonial buildings line the beachfront and pohutukawa trees provide welcome shade as you gaze at the yachts gently rocking on their moorings.

The town promotes itself as peaceful and ‘romantic’ in contrast to the commercial bustle of Paihia across the bay. That this quiet village atmosphere remains is quite remarkable given Russell’s turbulent history and its unique heritage as the country‘s oldest European settlement.

Originally a fortified Maori village known as Kororareka, meaning ‘how sweet is the penguin’, it became a haven for ship deserters and ruffians in the early whaling days, earning the title of ‘Hellhole of the Pacific.’