Russell (Kororāreka)
NZ's first capital — a pretty, historic bayside village reached by passenger ferry.
Why go
It's a charming, history-soaked contrast to busy Paihia, with a lovely waterfront for a meal or a drink.
Reached by a short passenger ferry from Paihia, Russell (Kororāreka) was New Zealand's first permanent European settlement and briefly its capital — once notorious as the 'hell-hole of the Pacific' whaling port. Today it's a quiet, pretty waterfront village of historic timber buildings, including Pompallier Mission and Christ Church (the country's oldest, its walls still pocked with musket holes) and the genteel Duke of Marlborough hotel.
- Time
- 2–3 h
- Price
- ferry ~$15 return; village free to explore
Comments
No comments yet — start the conversation.
Sign in to comment