Russell - Bay of Islands Tour

Today was all about Russell.  A beautiful little town on the edge of the water, with so much New Zealand history and culture to see, plus we had booked the Duke of Marlborough for lunch.

As you can see below, the day was magical and waking up to the view made it even more so. Time for coffee, Greg's famous poached eggs and celebration of Tania's birthday.

Days adventure in Russell

Russell: The best way to get to Russell from Pahia is via a quick 15min boat trip from Paihia to Russell, costing $25 for 2 adults return, Fullers Great Sights.  You can drive there though it takes around 40 minutes plus using the car ferry.  So not worth doing unless you are staying there or want to travel around a bit more by car.

Arriving in Russell

Such a beautiful day to be on the water and enjoy the views from Paihia to Russell. You can either go below the deck or sit on top, (though limited spaces), all areas have great views. 

Arriving into Russell really does feel like you have landed on a small little island off New Zealand and walked back in time. Many of the towns names and streets are from 1843 and you are able to walk around to see some of New Zealand’s oldest and most significant historic buildings. Russell Kororareka was developed initially as a shore station for shipping.

Below, lunch at Duke of Marlborough, click here for more information regarding the history of The Duke of Marlborough Hotel which began in 1827.

Duke of Marlborough restaurant

To start the service was a bit slow, they were at full capacity and it was 1.20pm however being a long weekend, you would think they would put more staff on? However, once the drinks arrived Tania and I ordered a bottle of Rose Marsden - 2016 - Bay of Islands, the boys ordered a couple of beers and they took our food orders. 

For lunch (check out the menu) the boys ordered the The Governors Burger, Tania Pan Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast (GF) & I ordered The Duke’s Free-Range Chicken Breast Caesar Salad, there was not one complaint from anyone, the food was fantastic, when then finished off with each couple sharing a dessert each, Vanilla Bean Panacotta (GF) & Piña Colada (GF).  Was a wonderful relaxed and fun location for lunch and was nice for Tania to see that they offered GF options for lunch and dessert. Check out the REVIEW for The Duke of Marlborough Tavern.

After a few hours of great food, drinks and conversation we left to check out more of Russell, oh and we can’t forget that Winston Peters (Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand) arrived for lunch just as we were about to leave.

Russell beach

After walking along the main beachfront checking out the other restaurants, local market and museum we decided it was time for a swim. 

Tania had noticed they had a pontoon out on the shore and said it was one thing she always wanted to do, the boys and her headed off so she could cross this off the bucket list and l stayed on shore as the official photographer.

Horn’s Garden for a drink

Tucked away behind the beach and the main boardwalk is the wonderful Horns Garden with a beach and Bali feel. We only had time for a quick drink, however, the food looked good and we will certainly be back in the future to have another drink or two and try the food.

Bye Russell

It was time to head off back to Paihia on the ferry and get back to our beautiful penthouse apartment at the Sanctuary Palms for birthday bubbles, yummy platter, dinner and more drinks on the lovely deck watching the sun going down.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travellers have to say at TripAdvisor

Check out Day 5 of road trip Paihia to Auckland and back home.

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Until our next journey, talk soon Charlotte and Greg.

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