While Te Wahapu might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Paihia Beach and Russell Beach.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Russell
Russell Beach
9.2/10 (738 reviews)
Oneroa Beach captivates with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters sheltered from ocean swells. Enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm bay or stroll along the shoreline with panoramic views of the native coastal bush.
Russell Christ Church
9.0/10 (137 reviews)
New Zealand's oldest surviving church, Christ Church stands as a testament to early European and Māori history since 1835. Explore the serene wooden sanctuary and historic graveyard where early settlers rest.
Flagstaff Hill
9.2/10 (289 reviews)
This historic hill marks where the Union Jack was repeatedly felled by Māori chief Hōne Heke in protest against British rule. Enjoy a moderate walk to the summit for spectacular 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands.
Russell Museum
8.6/10 (106 reviews)
Discover Russell Museum's maritime treasures, including a stunning 1/5th scale replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour. Explore Māori artifacts and early European settlement history in this intimate cultural showcase.
Tapeka Point Historic Reserve
9.4/10 (28 reviews)
Ascend this former Māori pā site for panoramic Bay of Islands views. This short, rewarding hike reveals ancient defensive ditches while telling stories of New Zealand's cultural heritage.
Pompalier House
9.4/10 (42 reviews)
Pompallier House, New Zealand's oldest industrial building, showcases traditional 19th-century printing and bookbinding. Tours feature demonstrations of historic techniques with Bay of Islands views.
Pompallier Mission
9.4/10 (16 reviews)
New Zealand's oldest industrial building showcases 1840s French rammed-earth construction and traditional bookmaking. Experience historical printing techniques and enjoy the award-winning heritage gardens.
Lookout
9.6/10 (67 reviews)
Te Maiki Hill offers panoramic views of the Bay of Islands and tells the story of Māori resistance through its repeatedly felled flagstaff. Explore the summit for both historical insight and coastal vistas.
What to do in Russell
From Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour: 3 Hour
"Beautiful spot by the river with river walk and kayaks for hire - we stayed in pet friendly cabin with bunks for 5, fridge and good supply of crockery but lots of other camping options including lovely glam tents with private balconies overlooking the river - cool communal dining area with pizza oven and trays of pizza making - staff very helpful and allowed early check-in"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Russell getaway. However, factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will determine how much your vacation to Russell costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Russell?
You can usually find lower rates and better availability in July, November and December. Browse our cheap Russell vacation packages and you could get some great off-season discounts.
How many days is enough for Russell?
Russell vacations can be short or long, but to really sink your teeth into this place, we'd suggest 2 days is a good ballpark. With this timeframe, you can fit in top attractions like Flagstaff Hill and Russell Christ Church and seek out some hidden gems. Don't skip cool areas such as Te Haumi and Tapeka either. If you're smart with your time, you can even schedule a day trip outside of Russell too.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Russell?
During your Russell vacation, you can look forward to experiencing some top-notch walking trails and hiking. Leave enough room in your itinerary to check out major attractions like Russell Beach and Flagstaff Hill.
How to find the best Russell package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to find some terrific Russell package deals. When you start your search, just set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your adventure for midweek, or search for Russell package deals in the off-peak season. Switch up your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to book your vacation package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a Russell vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could save you hundreds of dollars when compared to booking flights and accommodations individually. Better still, you can personalize your Russell getaway to fit your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a vacation package to Russell?
If you've got your Russell vacation dates locked in, book early to grab some unbeatable deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment getaways? Our last-minute deals are perfect for jetting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Russell?
Choose when to go: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your favorite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to Russell.
Set your budget: Consider expenses like food, flights and transportation when calculating how much to save for your trip to Russell. Then, select a hotel that matches your budget, whether that's a wallet-friendly option or a more luxurious getaway.
Organize your Russell getaway with Expedia's trip planning tool: Search for and book stays and experiences all in one place. You can also collaborate with family and friends to plan an unforgettable trip to Russell together.
Work out your trip length: Consider how long you want to spend discovering Russell. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the attractions and experiences you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
Bundle your airfare and accommodations: Once you've settled on your travel dates and duration, lock in the ideal Russell vacation package for you.
Book any activities or excursions: Now to the fun part — organizing everything you want to do and see. Check out some of the incredible things to do in Russell and book your tickets in advance to save time (and maybe some cash too!).
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Russell vacation packages?
If you're anything like us, you love jet-setting around the world but don't love the big price tag that can sometimes come with it. That's why we've created Book Now, Pay Later vacations. With the help of online lender Affirm, you can spread the cost of your Russell break across 3, 6 or 12 months. There are also no hidden or late payment fees, so you can secure great vacation packages with payment plans as soon as you see them.
Russell, Northland, New Zealand, is perfect for beach and outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning scenery. Visitors can explore a vibrant shopping center, embark on scenic hiking trails, and unwind at local campgrounds. With a blend of relaxation and adventure, Russell promises a memorable vacation experience in a picturesque setting.
Shopping
The Old Packhouse Market is a vibrant public market located 11 miles away from Russell, offering a unique shopping experience. If you're up for a drive, check out The Kauri Workshop, also 11 miles away, for beautifully crafted New Zealand souvenirs and gifts.
Recreation
Experience tranquility at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, just 3 miles from Russell, where wellness meets adventure. Enjoy scenic trails for biking or walking amidst nature's beauty. For sports enthusiasts, the Waitangi Golf Club, located 3 miles away, offers a refreshing outdoor escape with stunning views.
Adventure
Explore the stunning Kororipo Pa hiking trail, located 9 miles from Russell, where adventure and breathtaking scenery await. For a longer trek, the Manginangina Kauri Walk, 19 miles away, offers a unique outdoor experience. For indoor fun, visit Action World, an arcade adventure zone just 3 miles from town.
Nightlife
Russell offers a relaxed nightlife, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Enjoy a drink at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, or savor fresh seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant. For a laid-back vibe, check out the local pubs where you can mingle with friendly locals.
Find the best attractions in and around Russell
Russell, located in Northland, New Zealand, is perfect for beach and outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning scenery, visitors can explore beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, and captivating waterfalls. The area offers a rich cultural experience alongside outdoor activities. Be sure to visit Russell itself to fully appreciate its charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.
Bay of Islands: A stunning bay located 6 miles away from Russell, the Bay of Islands offers breathtaking scenery, pristine beaches, and outdoor activities. Explore its numerous islands, go sailing, or indulge in water sports while soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural beauty.
Paihia Beach: Situated 2 miles from Russell, Paihia Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for relaxing and enjoying beach vibes. Take a dip in the warm waters, sunbathe on the shore, or stroll along the waterfront to savor the picturesque surroundings.
Flagstaff Hill: Located within Russell, Flagstaff Hill provides stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. A perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, you can hike to the summit and take in the breathtaking vistas while experiencing the area's natural beauty.
Best time to go to Russell
The best time to visit Russell can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Russell falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Russell falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Russell
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Russell during the low season (June and August to September) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.