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Russell Mini Tour

North Island

Explore Group NZ

from
AU$33
per adult
Book Now
Visitors at Flagstaff Hill enjoy panoramic ocean views, with a historic flagpole and a cruise ship in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Experiences

Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Small Group Tours Small Group Tours Half-Day Tours Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Russell
Travel Time: 1 hour

Uncover Russell’s Colourful Past on a Mini Tour

The Russell Mini Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s earliest European settlement, once known as Kororāreka. A small group setting allows for a more personal experience as you visit historic spots like Christ Church, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel and Pompallier House. Your guide brings the 1830s to life with captivating stories of whalers, traders and settlers who shaped the town.

Russell’s colonial history is matched by its natural beauty, making this short tour ideal for those wanting a quick yet meaningful look at the Bay of Islands. The narrative blends humour and history, offering insight into how this peaceful town was once a bustling, rough-edged port. Every stop adds texture to the story of how Russell became known as “the hellhole of the Pacific” before evolving into the charming destination it is today.

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A historic cannon overlooking a serene harbor at sunset, with anchored boats reflecting on the calm waters.
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A scenic beachfront picnic area with wooden tables, lush green grass, and a peaceful sandy cove with calm blue waters.
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A Russell Mini Tours bus parked outside Christ's Church, a historic church with a graveyard, surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.
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Visitors at Flagstaff Hill enjoy panoramic ocean views, with a historic flagpole and a cruise ship in the distance under a clear blue sky.
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A historic church with a well-preserved graveyard, surrounded by lush greenery under a bright blue sky.
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A charming waterfront lined with historic buildings and vibrant pohutukawa trees, reflecting on the calm turquoise waters.
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A stunning panoramic view of Long Beach Bay with calm turquoise waters, lush greenery, and a golden sandy shoreline under a bright blue sky.
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Christ's Church, a historic church with a peaceful graveyard, surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A one-hour coach tour around Russell, New Zealand
  • Visits to iconic historical locations, including:
    • Christ Church (the oldest church in New Zealand)
    • Pompallier House (the oldest industrial building in New Zealand)
    • The Duke of Marlborough Hotel (New Zealand’s oldest licensed pub)
    • The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club
    • Oneroa (Long Beach)
    • Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki)
  • Commentary and insights from a knowledgeable local guide
  • Adults: 16 years and older.
  • Children: 5 - 15 years.
  • Infants (Free): 0-4 years
  • More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
  • Within 24 hours: No refund

**Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Departure Dates

Daily Departures: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Pricing

October 2025 - September 2027 (per person)

  • Adult: NZ$40
  • Child (5-15yrs): NZ$20
  • Infants 0-4 yrs: No Charge

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