Russell

Our most recommended things to do in Russell

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy guide commentary as you visit famous sights, including Piercy Island (The Hole in the Rock.) Look for Marine Mammals and enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island to swim, explore, or sunbathe. Hop on board and take in sweeping views of the Bay of Islands as you cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous Piercy Island or so-called Hole in the Rock (also known in Māori as Motukōkako). Conditions permitting, travel through the Hole in the Rock and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Make a 1.5-hour island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to enjoy free time for a swim or walk around. On board, benefit from indoor and outdoor seating and large outdoor viewing decks. Sip on hot and cold refreshments available to purchase at the licensed small cafe on board or enjoy food and drinks at the fully licensed Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar during your island stopover.

Paihia: Hole in the Rock Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

Paihia: Hole in the Rock Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

Fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands on a 1.5-hour ocean adventure. Experience the thrill of an open-air fast boat ride as you cruise among the bay's 144 islands and explore the bay's iconic sites. Enjoy the perfect balance of exploration and exhilaration with informative commentary and stops to observe the abundant wildlife along the way. Speed through the open waters in a purpose built state of the art catamaran. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock, the gorgeous Cape Brett Peninsula, and enter the spectacular Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting). Ride the waves past sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and the many varied island landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife including whales, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Learn about the area's unique characteristics and fascinating history from your friendly, informative skipper. This exhilarating tour is also a very comfortable and safe one. Complete with padded seats and seat belts, the boat is designed to protect its passengers riding in the open ocean. Life jackets and weather-proof jackets are also provided.

From Paihia: Cream Trip Full-Day Cruise to Bay of Islands

From Paihia: Cream Trip Full-Day Cruise to Bay of Islands

Glide past some 144 islands out to the remote Cape Brett Peninsula on a Bay of Islands day cruise. Board your purpose-built cruising vessel, and join your skipper as you set out on the original route used to deliver milk, post, and other supplies to the people who live in the remote Bay of Islands, the Cream Trip. See the Black Rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as your crew provides entertaining commentary. Experience the thrill of Boom-Netting alongside the vessel. (If conditions permit) Make a stop at a secluded island where you can enjoy a relaxing swim while admiring the natural beauty surrounding you. If you are looking for a unique Bay of Islands cruise, the Cream Trip is sure to deliver.

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise w/ Island Buffet Lunch

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise w/ Island Buffet Lunch

Set off on a scenic 4.5-hour cruise to discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery and encounter diverse wildlife in an area soaked in rich culture and history. Board the white, black and yellow power cat at Paihia Wharf and be welcomed aboard by the friendly crew. Your crew will deliver a full safety briefing and overview of the trip. Cruise among the 144 islands and enjoy entertaining live commentary from your local knowledgeable skipper. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it. Spot local wildlife including dolphins, birds, seals and even the occasional whale with a success rate of over 70%. Your trip will also include a 1.5-hour island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Included in your trip is a delicious Island Buffet Lunch. Enjoy free time to explore the island. If you wish, you can hire kayaks, or paddleboards (available during summer only) or just relax on the beach. You can also choose to extend your stay on the island and return on a later ferry (only available during summer).

Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach

Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach

Romantic Russell – Steeped in history with a very chequered past. Spend a comfortable hour aboard our air conditioned Mini Coaches as we take you back in time telling you stories going back to the earliest settlers whilst visiting places of significant historical interest not easily covered on foot, and discover why Russell has played such an important role in the history of New Zealand. Take a guided tour of New Zealands most historic town on board one of our comfortable coaches. The informative tour takes you past Flagstaff Hill out to Tapeka Point and over to Long Beach to name a few magical places. The tour gives you a full run down of historical events by our charming guides and takes around an hour to complete. You will travel in comfort and learn all there is to know about our historic town with Russell Mini Tours.

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

Take a captivating 3-hour cruise and island tour in the picturesque Bay of Islands to visit the famous Hole in the Rock and a stopover on Roberton Island to see the Twin Lagoons Cruise through the pristine waters among 144 islands, and stunning landscapes and keep an eye out for marine wildlife and bird life. Visit the iconic "Hole in the Rock," – a breathtaking natural archway that stands as a testament to the region's geological marvels, where the vessel navigates around the impressive rock formation, providing a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Move on to a stopover on Roberton Island, where you'll disembark for a short, scenic walk to the lookout point. Marvel at the panoramic views of the twin lagoons from this viewpoint, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this island paradise, capturing the essence of the Bay of Islands' natural splendor. This 3-hour cruise and island tour promises an immersive experience, weaving together the region's rich maritime history with its breathtaking landscapes. Discover the magic of the Bay of Islands as you create lasting memories on this unforgettable excursion.

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Our most recommended things to do in Russell

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy guide commentary as you visit famous sights, including Piercy Island (The Hole in the Rock.) Look for Marine Mammals and enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island to swim, explore, or sunbathe. Hop on board and take in sweeping views of the Bay of Islands as you cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous Piercy Island or so-called Hole in the Rock (also known in Māori as Motukōkako). Conditions permitting, travel through the Hole in the Rock and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Make a 1.5-hour island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to enjoy free time for a swim or walk around. On board, benefit from indoor and outdoor seating and large outdoor viewing decks. Sip on hot and cold refreshments available to purchase at the licensed small cafe on board or enjoy food and drinks at the fully licensed Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar during your island stopover.

Paihia: Hole in the Rock Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

Paihia: Hole in the Rock Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

Fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands on a 1.5-hour ocean adventure. Experience the thrill of an open-air fast boat ride as you cruise among the bay's 144 islands and explore the bay's iconic sites. Enjoy the perfect balance of exploration and exhilaration with informative commentary and stops to observe the abundant wildlife along the way. Speed through the open waters in a purpose built state of the art catamaran. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock, the gorgeous Cape Brett Peninsula, and enter the spectacular Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting). Ride the waves past sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and the many varied island landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife including whales, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Learn about the area's unique characteristics and fascinating history from your friendly, informative skipper. This exhilarating tour is also a very comfortable and safe one. Complete with padded seats and seat belts, the boat is designed to protect its passengers riding in the open ocean. Life jackets and weather-proof jackets are also provided.

From Paihia: Cream Trip Full-Day Cruise to Bay of Islands

From Paihia: Cream Trip Full-Day Cruise to Bay of Islands

Glide past some 144 islands out to the remote Cape Brett Peninsula on a Bay of Islands day cruise. Board your purpose-built cruising vessel, and join your skipper as you set out on the original route used to deliver milk, post, and other supplies to the people who live in the remote Bay of Islands, the Cream Trip. See the Black Rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as your crew provides entertaining commentary. Experience the thrill of Boom-Netting alongside the vessel. (If conditions permit) Make a stop at a secluded island where you can enjoy a relaxing swim while admiring the natural beauty surrounding you. If you are looking for a unique Bay of Islands cruise, the Cream Trip is sure to deliver.

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise w/ Island Buffet Lunch

Bay of Islands: Bay Discovery Cruise w/ Island Buffet Lunch

Set off on a scenic 4.5-hour cruise to discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery and encounter diverse wildlife in an area soaked in rich culture and history. Board the white, black and yellow power cat at Paihia Wharf and be welcomed aboard by the friendly crew. Your crew will deliver a full safety briefing and overview of the trip. Cruise among the 144 islands and enjoy entertaining live commentary from your local knowledgeable skipper. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it. Spot local wildlife including dolphins, birds, seals and even the occasional whale with a success rate of over 70%. Your trip will also include a 1.5-hour island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Included in your trip is a delicious Island Buffet Lunch. Enjoy free time to explore the island. If you wish, you can hire kayaks, or paddleboards (available during summer only) or just relax on the beach. You can also choose to extend your stay on the island and return on a later ferry (only available during summer).

Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach

Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach

Romantic Russell – Steeped in history with a very chequered past. Spend a comfortable hour aboard our air conditioned Mini Coaches as we take you back in time telling you stories going back to the earliest settlers whilst visiting places of significant historical interest not easily covered on foot, and discover why Russell has played such an important role in the history of New Zealand. Take a guided tour of New Zealands most historic town on board one of our comfortable coaches. The informative tour takes you past Flagstaff Hill out to Tapeka Point and over to Long Beach to name a few magical places. The tour gives you a full run down of historical events by our charming guides and takes around an hour to complete. You will travel in comfort and learn all there is to know about our historic town with Russell Mini Tours.

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour

Take a captivating 3-hour cruise and island tour in the picturesque Bay of Islands to visit the famous Hole in the Rock and a stopover on Roberton Island to see the Twin Lagoons Cruise through the pristine waters among 144 islands, and stunning landscapes and keep an eye out for marine wildlife and bird life. Visit the iconic "Hole in the Rock," – a breathtaking natural archway that stands as a testament to the region's geological marvels, where the vessel navigates around the impressive rock formation, providing a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Move on to a stopover on Roberton Island, where you'll disembark for a short, scenic walk to the lookout point. Marvel at the panoramic views of the twin lagoons from this viewpoint, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this island paradise, capturing the essence of the Bay of Islands' natural splendor. This 3-hour cruise and island tour promises an immersive experience, weaving together the region's rich maritime history with its breathtaking landscapes. Discover the magic of the Bay of Islands as you create lasting memories on this unforgettable excursion.

Frequently asked questions about Russell

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What people are saying about Russell

Overall rating

4.6
(549 reviews)

I was nervous at first, but our guide was more than understanding and reassuring that it was safe. So grateful. It was the highlight of our cruise! Paihia was gorgeous and riding on the fastboat to see "the hole in the rock" was a rush! Very exciting! I would love to go back and do again!

Great tour! The tour delivered everything that it said it would. Very informative skipper who told us about the history of the islands. Going through the Hole in the Rock was awesome! Great day with perfect weather. Thank you!

Bronwyn was an excellent captain who tried really hard to get us close to the hole in the rock considering the weather conditions. A very efficient experienced operator, other crew members friendly.

Fun activity if you’re looking for scenics views and adrenaline, overall good fun , I really enjoyed it ⚓️🛥️

The Hole in the Rock & the Captain’s commentary & the stop at the beautiful island bay for lunch & a swim