Russell

Russell Kororareka is a small, historic seaside village on a peninsula in the eastern Bay of Islands. Since the 1700s it has provided a haven for visitors, offering shelter and hospitality. Because of its relatively remote location it retains an island quality and a charm that reflects the tranquility of earlier times, where a sense of that history and heritage are treasured. Despite this, it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan community that attracts visitors from New Zealand and all over the world – some of whom have chosen to make Russell their home.

Its sense of community is evident from the pride in supporting its local school, the number of volunteers that help out with a wide range of activities from sport through to manning of local clubs. Visitors will quickly discover that this community is a special place that welcomes all comers and makes them feel at home and still keeps its village flavour.

The settlement, nestled between green headlands, shows signs of its past in street names and building styles. The wharf, built originally in 1879 is still the main route into the town. Before road access was put through in the 1930s visiting steamers tied up here as they brought supplies and travellers.

Buildings line the waterfront still – many historic like the Duke of Marlborough hotel (the 4th on the site) and the Victorian Gothic Customhouse (now our police station).

At the south end of the waterfront sits Pompallier House, site of the first Roman Catholic Mission to New Zealand. Established in 1842 it is now restored to its original French Lyonnaise style, the only one of its type in the country. Leather making, printing and bookbinding can be seen once again.

One street inland Pompallier’s “rival” the Anglican Christ Church is the oldest existing church in New Zealand and has also been restored – except for the musket ball holes in the old weatherboards, visible reminder of the fierce fighting near the church during the 1845 Battle of Kororareka. 

Above the town on Maiki (the high place) Hill stands a flagstaff, originally the symbol of British authority and cause of conflict between Maori and the British which led to 1845’s battle. It flies New Zealand’s original flag twelve days a year.

Settlement has spread during the twentieth century to the outskirts of the town – Long beach/Oneroa, Matauwhi, Tapeka, Te Wahapu but on headlands, in valleys and on the coast evidence still exists of earlier Maori occupation.

Wedding on Ferry
Dining on the waterfront

Properties In Russell

9 The Strand Russell

9 The Strand is a private Waterfront House situated on the historic Russell waterfront with exceptional views of the wharf and the colourful Russell anchorage.

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6
bedrooms

4

bathrooms

2

wifi
aircon
Prices from: $500 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 6 persons

A Sandy Jandal 3-5 Bedroom w/Annex

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Sandy Jandals is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

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6-10
bedrooms

3-5

bathrooms

3.5

wifi
spa
Prices from: $355 per night for up to a maximum of 10 persons

A View Over Russell

A View over Russell's holiday house is situated in the heart of Romantic Russell, on the hill in the dress circle, overlooking the village and across the Cha...

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

2

wifi
aircon
Prices from: $300.00 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 6 persons

Bellbird Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Bellbird Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

2.5

wifi
spa
Prices from: $390 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 6 persons

Butterfly Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Butterfly Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

2.5

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $390 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 6 persons

Cedar Bay

Cedar Bay is in the heart of the Russell Village just a hop skip and jump to local 4 Square, restaurants, café, museum, waterfront…

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10
bedrooms

4

bathrooms

2

wifi
aircon
Prices from: $300 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 10 persons

Cloud 9 3 bed Luxury Holiday Villa

Cloud 9 is blessed with spectacular views across both the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Islands in which Russell nestles. This villa has a 5 Star Qualmark rating.

user
2-6
bedrooms

1-3

bathrooms

2

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $1500 per night for up to a maximum of 6 persons

Cook’s Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Cool's Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
8
bedrooms

4

bathrooms

3

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $390 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 8 persons

Escape North

Extended Family Retreat - Escape North is a private 3 level retreat for extended families, in historic Russell

user
14
bedrooms

6

bathrooms

3

wifi
aircon
Prices from: $450 per night for up to 6 persons using 3 bedrooms on the upper levels only, extra per person, per night charge applies above 6 persons up to a maximum of 14 persons

Heaven NZ 3 bed – Luxury Accommodation

Heaven NZ overlooks the stunning bay of Oneroa whilst capturing the spectacular views out towards Roberton Island in the Bay of Islands in which Russell nestles.

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

3

wifi
Prices from: $1500 per night for up to 6 persons using 3 bedrooms

Kauri Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Kauri Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

2.5

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $355 per night for up to a maximum of 6 persons

Kingfisher Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Kingfisher Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

2.5

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $390 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 6 persons

Settler’s Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Settler's Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
6
bedrooms

3

bathrooms

2.5

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $355 per night for up to a maximum of 6 persons

Te Manaaki Cottage

Te Manaaki Cottage is an ideal holiday cottage in a private garden setting. It has its own private driveway entrance, sundeck and BBQ area.

user
2
bedrooms

1

bathrooms

1

wifi
aircon
Prices from: $200 per night for up to a maximum of 2 persons

Tinkerbell Cottage

Heated Pool and Spa | Village Location | Tinkerbell Cottage is located in the Russell Cottages Collection

user
8
bedrooms

4

bathrooms

3

wifi
aircon
spa
Prices from: $390 per night for up to 4 persons using 2 bedrooms, extra per person, per night charge applies up to a maximum of 8 persons