Russell is a wonderful small laid back town on the water. It does link you with a passenger ferry to Paihia and Waitangi. Can go and relax with other great options such as fishing, kayaking... Nice restaurants right on the water too.

Russell ist ein kleiner Ort ohne Hast und Hektik. Er dient wunderbar als Ausgangspunkt, um Delfine zu beobachten, zu fischen oder, wie ich es getan habe, per Flugzeug an die Nordspitze zu fliegen. Kosten und Preise sind mit Deutschland in etwa gleich, vielleicht sogar ein wenig höher.

Best destination Nthland has to offer.its got it all beaches,walks, a wharf for swimming and fishing well preserved native trees along the shoreline to sit in shade and take in the stunning views day or night ideal spots and reserves for fish and chips.A community that works together for art and craft days and family events. Breakfasts cafes can be found easily the The Yorke St cafe does great full breakfast & hot pots of tea and coffee staff even give you tips of best place in courtyard to sit to feel the morning sun. Good old fashion kiwi tea rooms / and take outs with service with a smile and “thank you have a good day” Best milk shakes in town. Both the Gables and the Duke of Marlbourgh foods shine top fine dinning with fusions of gorgeous foods presented together in artful presence on plates. The Gables from the moment you hit the front is professional and very welcoming. Topped off by the table service offer to assist guests fillet the whole fresh baked snapper is an added bonus to avoid nasty fish bones the lightly garlic ju finishes this fine delicate and delicious meal along side a crunchy salad,kiwi fish on a plate in a beautiful hisctorscal setting in the Bay of Islands. A town who looks after its natural history it’s old world buildings and visitors..A slice of magic for young and old all workable around the town distance and the charm of ferry’s coming and going. Grab a towel a book from either shop and head to the beach or up Tapeka Hill. Highlight of all as buzzing with summer as it is it’s a dog friendly business community.that realise dogs need to be socialised and often hang out with families on outings and holidays. Dog bowls outside businesses dogs walking dogs testing in shade while owners had coffees or enjoyed meals all very very well mannered together making it a wonderful summer location and quite time out in Winter.

Russell is a small slice of NZ paradise, steeped in the history of New Zealand. Our favourite place is The Duke of Marlborough for its colonial sense of artwork & ‘old world’ retention of glamour in the artwork & design. There are so many gorgeous walks with breathtaking scenery, friendly people & very accessible to Paihia on the ferry & Waitangi Treaty grounds. Rich abundant bird life & song - Russell is Not to be missed.

Historically significant and laid back town, small enough to see all the sites in a few days. Longbeach (1km from town) is spectacular for swimming, with a convenient coffee cart nearby public amenities. Plenty of places to eat, well stocked supermarkets which are open late. Get out on the water by boat or kayak to explore all the bays and islands or take the ferry over to Paihia and Waitangi. Scuba dive the wrecks (Rainbow warrior) or go fishing. Watch amazing sunsets over Waitangi from the beach with an icecream. There are many walking trails in the area too. This is a “must do” place to visit in far north NZ.

Beautiful, historic little town. We loved the Duke of Marlborough for dinner, beautiful food, excellent service, very friendly management. We also ate at the Swordfish Club, and enjoyed that as well, particularly the very accommodating Chef. Highly recommended, even in the poor weather we had.