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Discover the Best Hotels, B&Bs, Inns and Vacation Rentals in Russell – Based on 2,924 Real Reviews from Actual Guests
#1 of 9 hotels in Russell
#2 of 9 hotels in Russell
#3 of 9 hotels in Russell
#1 of 10 B&Bs and inns in Russell
#2 of 10 B&Bs and inns in Russell
#3 of 10 B&Bs and inns in Russell
#1 of 14 vacation rentals in Russell
#2 of 14 vacation rentals in Russell
#3 of 14 vacation rentals in Russell
We were there off season and during the week. So it was quiet. It also meant some of the activities we wanted to do (day sailing, catamaran rental) weren't available, but we just spent the time at the beach or walking around. It is a bit of a drive to get there, maybe 30 minutes more from Auckland than to Pahia, but it just felt more relaxing than Pahia did a year ago when we stayed there. Maybe because there is less thru traffic
Quaint town with a sinful past! Lots of places to eat at and a great base to explore the Bay of Islands - we were really happy we chose to stay there rather than Paihia. So easy to catch a ferry to Paihia (& eat at Charlottes - highly recommended) or to do a boat trip eg to Urupukapuka Island
Quaint, historic village away from the mainland. Layback holiday vibe. Duke of Marlborough had a lovely old world charm for a night of dining out. Great panoramic views at the flag hill. Definitely visit waitangi and allow 3 hours to truly experience this place. A trip to stone house. Rainbow falls near kerikeri also well worthwhile.
We loved Russell. Shame the weather wasn't better because we could have enjoyed the beaches more but still lovely. The town has a quaint feel with lovely buildings. Good places to eat. The walk along the shoreline was lovely. Our accommodation at The Duke Motel was great. Very well serviced for tours and ferry services. The small coves were lovely and worth a stop to enjoy for a quiet moment.
I would pick Russell over Paihia as the place to stay on the Bay of Islands. Quieter, quaint with more swimming friendly beaches. You are able to relax and get away from it all. Some great eating out options, Hone's garden was fantastic for woodfired pizzas and has a great outdoor setting. Sally's make great homemade cakes. It's much easier to get around when you have a car, but utilizing the passenger ferry to Paihia was also very easy. Most tours will pick up from Russell as well.
Russell is a very small town with heaps of historical buildings, walks and things to do. You can walk everywhere, including to beautiful Long Beach for a swim. Take the little ferry to Paihia to get fabulous views all around. Even better, go out on a day sail into the wider Bay of Islands with one of the yachts with personality - Vigilant or Phantom. Dinner at the Duke of Marlborough Tavern, just one block back from the seafront , is great value. In summer, there's likely to be live music at the Tavern or at the upmarket Duke hotel. Russell has a good supermarket, if you are self-catering.
“Food Main meal and Dessert were incredible. Great breakfast. Helpful, smiley staff. Great bar with views of the water. Dead quiet at night. Brilliant”
“Location and view outstanding Very very clean and modern Owners very friendly and helpful Really enjoyed our stay wish it could of been longer was hard to leave Highly recommend to stay here to unwind and chill”
“I loved the views and the open layout.”
“There is a fantastic view at the bay.”
“Great staff and Management, felt really welcome! We had a ground level room with beautiful views, it was perfect for our stay, we will be back, thank you!”
