What to do in Russell

Activities, attractions and tours

Russell showing a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Russell showing a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Russell which includes a bay or harbour, café lifestyle and a sunset
Russell which includes rocky coastline and a bay or harbour
Russell showing a coastal town, a bay or harbour and sailing

Russell Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Russell has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Russell, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Russell with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Russell

Russell is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Russell, and make it a breeze to explore Russell and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Russell to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Russell, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Russell.

Russell attractions

Russell has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Russell to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Russell.

Looking for things to do in Russell can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Russell or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Russell attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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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 showing a bay or harbour and tranquil scenes

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 which includes a bay or harbour and a sunset

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 showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole

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 featuring 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 which includes street scenes

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Recommended things to do in Russell

Number of things to do
63
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach: £16
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Russell

Popular places to visit

Russell Beach showing a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and a coastal town

Russell Beach

4.5/5(29 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
Flagstaff Hill showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole

Flagstaff Hill

4.5/5(10 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
Russell Christ Church showing a church or cathedral and a cemetery

Russell Christ Church

4.5/5(12 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
Russell Museum which includes street scenes

Russell Museum

4/5(5 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

Lookout

5/5(2 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

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

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

Pompalier House

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 Makana Chocolate Boutique, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Te Wahapu

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Russell

Okiato showing a bay or harbour

Okiato

Okiore Point, Oakura, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania.

Whangaruru

Frequently asked questions

Is Russell worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Russell is explore Action World. Check this top sight off your list, then discover more of the area's hiking and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Russell?
Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Action World are two good places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Russell while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Russell?
Don't leave without exploring Action World, rated the top tourist attraction in Russell.
Is three days enough to stay in Russell?
Three days is plenty for a short getaway in Russell — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you want to really experience it all, book for at least a week or more to discover some hidden gems too.
Is Russell a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Russell is a great destination to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Action World and Waitangi Golf Club. Then take a stroll through Tapeka, located 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre, and Te Wahapu, which is about 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Russell with kids?
Deciding what to do in Russell with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Russell for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Russell, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Hundertwasser Public Toilets.
Are there free things to do in Russell?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Russell is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Bay of Islands Marina is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.