|
russell
 Russell’s seaside
setting and ‘Old World’ charm makes it a pleasure to
stroll along the esplanade. Quaint colonial buildings line the
beachfront and pohutukawa trees provide welcome shade as you gaze
at the yachts gently rocking on their moorings.
The town promotes itself as peaceful and ‘romantic’ in
contrast to the commercial bustle of Paihia across the bay. That
this quiet village atmosphere remains is quite remarkable given
Russell’s turbulent history and its unique heritage as the
country‘s oldest European settlement.
Originally a fortified Maori village known as Kororareka, meaning
‘how sweet is the penguin’, it became a haven for ship
deserters and ruffians in the early whaling days, earning the
title of ‘Hellhole of the Pacific.’
Today it is proud of its status as the site of our first capital
(at nearby Okiato). Among the historic buildings is Christ
Church, New Zealand’s oldest surviving church, still studded
with bullet holes in its neat white weatherboards as a result of
Hone Heke’s siege of the town in 1845, following his
repeated attacks on the flagstaff on Maiki Hill. Pompallier House
was our first industrial building as it housed the mission print
shop. The original Duke of Marlborough hotel on the waterfront
had New Zealand’s first liquor licence.
With this colourful history and its sheltered location in the Bay
of Islands, it is little wonder that Russell is a maritime Mecca
favoured by holidaymakers at the height of summer. Day-trippers
arrive on the passenger ferry from Paihia just 15 minutes away.
Flotillas of yachts sail in from Auckland and other places and
the boaties gravitate towards the cafés and restaurants lining
the Strand.
However Russell remains an ideal place for a quiet browse among
the craft shops and historic buildings. The Bay of Islands Park
office in The Strand can direct you to the local sights
including; Flagstaff Hill, Tapeka Point, Pompallier House, Christ
Church and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.
The fascinating history of this town together with its
incomparable setting provides the visitor with double the
interest. Plan to spend at least a day in Russell to explore this
unique location and soak up the atmosphere.
|
