Russell
Over 200 years of stories to discover!
Romantic Russell
Two hundred years ago Russell was known only by its Maori name, Kororareka, and described as “the hell hole of the Pacific”: a rough shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders. Full of historic buildings and fascinating stories, today you can visit Pompallier, an early French Catholic Mission and the only example of Lyonnaise style architecture in New Zealand. There’s an excellent museum and Christ Church still sports musket ball holes from the Maori Wars.
A quick ferry ride across the water from Paihia this tranquil township is a world-renowned game fishing port. Zane Grey famously described New Zealand as ‘an angler’s El Dorado’ when he caught his first marlin here in 1926. Tuna, broad bill, kingfish and shark are other potential game fish catches. A large fleet of world-class charter boats with skilled and experienced skippers caters for just about any type of fishing and for all skill levels. From hooking into a delicious snapper to saltwater fly-fishing, fishing in Northland today continues to live up to Zane Grey’s description. Today Russell is still a favoured spot for boaties who seek safe anchorage.
The Catholic Mission Pompallier in Russell, is made from rammed earth.
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Discover Russell's exciting past by visiting the museum, cafés, restaurants and craft galleries, while appreciating its colonial architecture.
You will find a wide range of accommodation available and you can also arrange sightseeing, adventure or fishing activity from the Russell waterfront. For self-drive explorers, take State Highway 11 to Opua and catch the vehicular ferry to Russell or leave State Highway 1 at Whakapara and travel the fully tar-sealed scenic coastal route via Oakura. There's also a passenger ferry service from Paihia.
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