Russell and Waitangi

Russell
Russell, formerly known as Kororareka (‘sweet penguin’) is located directly across the Bay of Islands from Paihia. It is accessible either by passenger ferry (terminal located at the wharf in Paihia) or by vehicle ferry. The (vehicle ferry) terminal is located at Opua, about 7 minutes drive from Paihia while the terminal on the other side is at Okiato (the first capital of New Zealand), which is about 10 minutes drive from Russell.

Like Paihia, Russell is very much a tourist town, but perhaps on a smaller scale. The place is dominated by cafes, souvenir & gift shops and B&B besides the places of interest such as Pompallier House, Russell Museum, Christ Church, just to name a few. It is a little charming and ‘romantic’ (as it is known to be) town where one can spend hours lazing around.

Waitangi
Waitangi, separated from Paihia by the Waitangi River, is the site of the historic signing of the Waitangi Treaty on 06 February 1840 between the Maori people and the representatives of Queen Victoria’s government.

Russell

On the ferry at Opua wharf

View from the ferry (above and below few)




The ferry


‘Tour boat’

Along the main street of Russell



Flagstaff at Flagstaff Hill

View from Flagstaff Hill (above and below few)

Aerial view of Bay of Islands

5-star Eagle Nest – a complex of five rental villas,
supposedly the most expensive rental accommodation
of New Zealand. A single night rental cost up to a
five-figure sum in NZ$ depending on the choice of villa.


Opua (the wharf is behind these shop houses)

Waitangi

Flagstaff – the spot where the
Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

Maori Meeting House (Te Whare Runanga)
The standing figure at the apex of the roof
represents the ancestors of the Maori who
sailed from Polynesia centuries ago.

Inside the Meeting House