Russell Beach

Wander along the jetty for wonderful views of Kororareka Bay, get out on the water in a boat and enjoy alfresco dining along the beachfront.

Russell Beach is the hub of the town and a popular place to swim, relax and fish. Stroll along the main beach, which is also known as Kororareka, and survey the restaurants, cafés and lodges that line the adjoining walkway.

Amble along the small wooden jetty and stop by the Russell Booking and Information Centre to enquire about various water-based activities. Embark on a big game fishing charter and haul in snapper and other scaly species. Book private boat charters and cruises, an excellent way to observe local marine life, such as dolphins, whales, penguins and seabirds.

Rent a sail catamaran or motorboat to explore the surrounding Bay of Islands. Sailing, fishing and dolphin-viewing excursions are all available here too. For something more active, take a small rowboat into Kororareka Bay or rent a bicycle and pedal along nearby cycling paths. Small shops selling artisan chocolates, handicrafts and souvenirs line the shoreline, making Russell’s main beach great for shopping.

Stay on the beach until evening to watch the sun set from the shore. Some of the nearby restaurants and bars make prime sunset viewing spots. Enjoy the vista while dining on freshly caught seafood accompanied by New Zealand wines.

For a more secluded beach atmosphere, venture over to Long Beach, which is located about 2 kilometres (1 mile) away. This golden stretch features fine sand and calm turquoise water.

From the town’s main beach, many of Russell’s top attractions are less than 5 minutes away on foot, including Christ Church. This church was built by missionaries in the mid-19th century and is one of New Zealand’s oldest surviving and fully operational churches. The historic building has been extensively restored and is now registered with Heritage New Zealand.

Russell Beach is in the heart of Russell in the Bay of Islands, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from Auckland. Stay in historic hotels, lodges and self-catered apartments near Russell Beach or find alternative accommodations in the centre of town.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Russell Beach

Russell

Romantics and roamers alike will fall for Russell, with its historical landmarks and views across the Bay of Islands.

Russell Museum

Learn about Russell’s Māori heritage and the history of European settlers through this vast collection of photographs, documents and other objects.

Russell Christ Church

This charming and peaceful 19th-century church is a prominent historical landmark, while the surrounding cemetery is a good spot for a stroll.

Flagstaff Hill

On this important hill, learn about New Zealand’s early Māori and colonial history, look for iconic birds and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

Paihia Beach

Go on fishing charters, swim in the sea and browse shops and restaurants near Paihia’s main beach, the site of an annual swimming event that attracts competitors from around the country.

Hotels near Russell Beach

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

58 Seaview Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Russell Beach and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

1 Tau Henare Drive

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Waitangi, this beachfront hotel is next to a golf course and within 1 mi (2 km) of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia Wharf, and Waitangi Golf Club. Paihia Beach and Waitangi Mountain Bike Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

The Waterfront Suites - Heritage Collection

100 Marsden Road

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Paihia, this beachfront aparthotel is in the city center and within a 5-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Russell Beach and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Sea Spray Suites - Heritage Collection

138 Marsden RoadBay of Islands, Bay of Islands

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Paihia aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Golf Club and Waitangi Treaty Grounds are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

104 Marsden Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Paihia hotel is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Breakwater Motel

1 Bayview Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Paihia motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

35 The StrandBay of Islands, Bay of Islands

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Russell Beach, Russell Museum, and Tapeka Point. Russell Christ Church and Pompallier Mission are also within 5 minutes.

Admiral's View Lodge

2 MacMurray Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this eco-friendly motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Russell Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Casa Bella Motel

3 MacMurray Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Base Bay of Islands - Hostel

18 Kings Rd

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Kerikeri Court Motel

93 Kerikeri Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Kerikeri, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Fairy Pools, Kerikeri Mission House, and Stone Store. The Parrot Place and Rainbow Falls are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Anchorage Motel

2 Marsden Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Paihia motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Dolphin Motel

69 Williams Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Blue Pacific Quality Apartments

166 Marsden RoadPaihia, Bay Of Islands, Paihia, Bay Of Islands

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this eco-friendly apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) away.

Russell Cottages Tanoa Hotels

16 Chapel Street, 16

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Russell vacation home is located near the beach, within a 5-minute walk of Russell Christ Church, Russell Beach, and Tapeka Point. Russell Museum and Pompallier Mission are also within 10 minutes.

Cook's Lookout Motel

9 Causeway Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this motel is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Haruru Falls and within 3 mi (5 km) of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.

Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel

130 Marsden Road

Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Kerikeri Homestead Motel & Apartments

17 Homestead Rd.

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Kerikeri, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Fairy Pools, Kerikeri Mission House, and Stone Store. The Parrot Place and Rainbow Falls are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Kerikeri Park Lodge

494b Kerikeri Road

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Kerikeri, this golf aparthotel is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Kerikeri Mission House and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Stone Store.

Colonial House Motel

178 Kerikeri Road

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Kerikeri Mission House, Stone Store, and Fairy Pools. The Parrot Place and Rainbow Falls are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Averill Court Motel

62 Seaview Rd

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Paihia, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Bellrock Lodge

22 Chapel Street

Rated 5.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Russell, this luxury bed & breakfast is within a 10-minute walk of Russell Christ Church, Russell Beach, and Russell Museum. Tapeka Point and Pompallier Mission are also within 10 minutes.

Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel

3 Bayview Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Wharf and Paihia Beach. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel

27 Kings Road

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Paihia Beach and Paihia Wharf. Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Waitangi Golf Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).