What to do in Russell

Activities, attractions and tours
Russell featuring street scenes, café scenes and a bay or harbour

Places to Visit in Russell

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Russell, Northland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Russell attractions from NZ$35, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Russell tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 27 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Russell. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Bay of Islands

Visit the stunning Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island and enjoy the many water-based tours, from discovering uninhabited islands dotted around the cold, blue waters to watching dolphins leap around the boat. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the bay’s towns or retreat to the ancient native forests to be at one with nature.
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Russell featuring tranquil scenes and a bay or harbour

2. Russell Beach

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.
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Russell Beach featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and a coastal town

3. Flagstaff Hill

Flagstaff Hill, or Te Maiki in Māori, has been an important vantage point for centuries. It remains popular today for those same views and its historical significance. Enjoy the 360-degree vistas of the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on the horizon.
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Flagstaff Hill featuring a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbour

4. Russell Christ Church

Russell Christ Church is one of the oldest standing churches in New Zealand. Originally built by European settlers in the Bay of Islands, the historic building has been wonderfully restored and is fully operational. Attend a Sunday service here and admire the attractive interior.
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Russell Christ Church showing a cemetery and a church or cathedral

5. Russell Museum

Inspect fascinating items, including traditional Māori weapons, whaling artefacts and large detailed models at Russell Museum. The small historical museum features an archive of more than 2,000 photographs as well as many captivating displays. See military artefacts from the Battle of Kororareka and other items from Russell’s early history.
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Russell Museum featuring street scenes

Recommended things to do in Russell

Number of things to do
27
Things to do from
NZ$35
Cheapest thing to do
Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

Discover the most popular places to visit in Russell

Image for Russell Beach

Russell Beach

4.5/5(241 reviews)

Wander along the jetty for wonderful views of Kororareka Bay, get out on the water in a boat and enjoy alfresco dining along the beachfront.

Russell Beach
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Flagstaff Hill

4.5/5(111 reviews)

On this important hill, learn about New Zealand’s early Māori and colonial history, look for iconic birds and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

Flagstaff Hill
Image for Russell Christ Church

Russell Christ Church

4.5/5(61 reviews)

This charming and peaceful 19th-century church is a prominent historical landmark, while the surrounding cemetery is a good spot for a stroll.

Russell Christ Church
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Russell Museum

4/5(49 reviews)

Learn about Russell’s Māori heritage and the history of European settlers through this vast collection of photographs, documents and other objects.

Russell Museum
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Tapeka Point Historic Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Tapeka Point Historic Reserve, a lovely green space in Tapeka. Visit the area's spas or amble around its beautiful beaches.

Tapeka Point Historic Reserve
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Lookout

4.5/5(17 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Russell with a visit to Lookout. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in the area.

Lookout
Image for Pompallier Mission

Pompallier Mission

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Pompallier Mission during your trip to Russell. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Pompallier Mission
Image for Pompalier House

Pompalier House

3/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Russell with a stop at Pompalier House. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in the area.

Pompalier House

Explore areas of Russell

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Te Wahapu

When in Te Wahapu, you can plan a visit to Paihia Beach and Russell Christ Church, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Te Wahapu

Day trip destinations from Russell

Okiato which includes a bay or harbour

Okiato

Cape Brett Lighthouse which includes rocky coastline and a bay or harbour

Rawhiti