Major city · New Zealand
RussellKororāreka
Base in Russell for 2 nights if you want quiet evenings; base in Paihia and day-trip over if you want cheaper beds and more tours.
Russell is a small waterfront village on the Bay of Islands, reached by a 15-minute passenger ferry from Paihia or by a vehicle ferry to Okiato plus a 7 km drive. It holds New Zealand's oldest surviving church, its oldest industrial building and its oldest licensed hotel, and it works as a slow two-night base rather than a day of sightseeing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- NZD
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cooler, wetter, shorter ferry hours)
- Airports
- KKE · AKL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- New Zealand ↗Visa-waiver visitors need an NZeTA (with the tourism levy) before travel, including many transit passengers; others need a visa. Apply only through Immigration New Zealand or its official app, and check the rules for your passport.
- New Zealand ↗Declare all food, plant and animal products, and used outdoor gear such as hiking boots and tents, on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration; undeclared risk items bring instant fines.
- New Zealand ↗Drive on the left; give way as signed at one-lane bridges; an English-language licence or one with an approved translation or International Driving Permit is required.
- New Zealand ↗Freedom camping is restricted: sleep in a vehicle only where signed as allowed, and in many places only in certified self-contained vehicles.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Russell111 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Russell, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD, NZ$).New Zealand-wide
- SIM or eSIMOne NZ, Spark and 2degrees sell tourist SIMs at Auckland and Christchurch arrivals and in supermarkets; passport not required.New Zealand-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe almost everywhere; follow boil-water notices in small rural schemes.New Zealand-wide
- TippingCafé or restaurant: Nothing expected; 10% for very good service at dinner is a bonus.New Zealand-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.New Zealand-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a small resort village; the real risks are the sea, sunburn, and driving the coastal roads after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in every town and at most lookouts; DOC long-drops on tracks.New Zealand-wide
- Emergency numbers111 police, fire, ambulance · 105 Non-urgent police · *555 Traffic incidents (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning and Christmas Day by law; small-town shops close by 17:00 and on Sunday afternoons…Shops closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day morning and Christmas Day by law; small-town shops close by 5:00 PM and on Sunday afternoons…New Zealand-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckKKE Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) Airport (About 40 min drive to Opua, then the vehicle ferry to Okiato; check current flights and shuttle options).
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable in 10 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeNZ$5–7 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubNZ$9–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekNZ$20–50 (≈ US$12–30)
- Museum or sight ticketPompallier Mission entryabout NZ$10 (≈ US$6)
- Budget bedHostel or backpacker bed, a night, per personNZ$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per roomNZ$190 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per roomNZ$320 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NZ$90 (≈ US$55) · Mid NZ$170 (≈ US$100) · High NZ$320 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KKE Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) Airport (About 40 min drive to Opua, then the vehicle ferry to Okiato; check current flights and shuttle options) · AKL Auckland Airport (About 3.5–4 h drive north to Opua; the usual arrival point for a self-drive trip)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jul (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Jul (16 rain days), driest Jan (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Russell: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Feb
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
15 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
16 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable in 10 minutes end to end. A passenger ferry links the Russell wharf with Paihia in about 15 minutes; the vehicle ferry runs Opua–Okiato every 10 minutes or so and leaves you 7 km short of the village. Cruises and fishing trips leave from the Russell waterfront and many also pick up in Paihia. A car helps for Long Beach, Tapeka Point and the wider Bay of Islands.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Paihia and Waitangi Treaty Grounds
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Passenger ferry from the Russell wharf, about 15 min
Ferry first sailings early morning; check the last return before you plan dinner.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive via SH11 and the Opua–Okiato ferry, or the long way round via Oakura
Markets, the Stone Store and the mission house; half a day.
Bay of Islands cruises and dolphin watching
goDoor to door: About 4–6 h
Boats leave from the Russell waterfront or Paihia
Book ahead in summer; many cruises pick up at Russell.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Strand waterfront
Hotels and restaurants on the beach; walk to the ferry, museum and church. Priciest and noisiest in summer.
York Street and Chapel Street
One block back from the water; guesthouses, cottages and the two small supermarkets.
Long Beach and Tapeka Point
Holiday homes and the better swimming beach, 15–25 min walk over the hill or a short drive.
Okiato (Old Russell)
Vehicle-ferry landing 7 km (4.3 mi) from the village; only useful if you have a car and want to skip the passenger ferry.Vehicle-ferry landing 4.3 mi (7 km) from the village; only useful if you have a car and want to skip the passenger ferry.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- NZ$90–150 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- NZ$150–260 (≈ US$90–160) excl. bed
- High
- NZ$260 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or guesthouse double room1 × 2 nights × NZ$190 | NZ$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × NZ$170 | NZ$680 |
| Passenger ferry, Russell–Paihia return2 × NZ$16 · check | NZ$32 |
| Vehicle ferry, Opua–Okiato, car and driver1 × NZ$12 · check | NZ$12 |
| Bay of Islands cruise or dolphin trip2 × NZ$130 · check | NZ$260 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × NZ$30 · check | NZ$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NZ$142 |
| Trip total≈ NZ$392 per person per day, bed included | NZ$1,566≈ US$950 |
check
2026 estimate in New Zealand dollars; flights excluded. Bed and cruise figures are planning bands, not quoted rates — check current prices. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | NZ$5–7 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Fish and chips takeaway | NZ$10–18 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Restaurant main | NZ$25–38 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Draught beer in a pub | NZ$9–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Pompallier Mission entry | about NZ$10 (≈ US$6) |
| Russell Museum entry | about NZ$10 (≈ US$6) adult |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | NZ$20–50 (≈ US$12–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Vehicle ferry: car and driver about NZ$12 (≈ US$8), extra passengers about NZ$1 (≈ under US$1) — 2026 estimate, check current fares.
- Passenger ferry return about NZ$16 (≈ US$10) adult, NZ$8 (≈ US$5) child — 2026 estimate, check the operator's timetable.
- Last passenger ferry back is much earlier in winter than in summer: check the sailing times before a late dinner in Paihia.
- Book summer beds and cruises weeks ahead; the village is small and fills up.
- One-lane bridges and left-hand driving on the approach roads; give way as signed.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 111
- Non-urgent police
- 105
- Traffic incidents
- *555
Pocket card
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RussellKororāreka
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ki tēnei wāhi, koaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance111
- Non-urgent police105
- Traffic incidents*555
Embassy
No embassies in Russell; consulates and embassies are in Auckland and Wellington. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Passenger ferry Russell → Paihia: about NZ$16 (≈ US$10) return adult, about 15 min
- Vehicle ferry Opua → Okiato: about NZ$12 (≈ US$8) car and driver, about NZ$1 (≈ under US$1) extra passenger
- Okiato → Russell village: 7 km (4.3 mi) by road4.3 mi (7 km) by road
Say or show
- Kia ora — Thank you
- Nau mai, haere mai — Hello / Welcome
- Koa — Please
- Kei hea te wāpu? — Where is the ferry wharf?
- Ka taea te utu mā te kāri? — Can I pay by card?
Police station on The Strand, on the waterfront.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Russell. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cooler, wetter, shorter ferry hours) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for KKE and AKL: field-checked drive times, ferry cutoffs, shuttle fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Strand, York and Chapel streets, Long Beach, Tapeka Point.
- Place pages with verified hours (Pompallier Mission, Russell Museum, Christ Church) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and weather fixtures so gate status can go green.