What to do and see in Russell, North Island: The Best Multi-day Tours

March 10, 2022 Concepcion Newsome

The seaside town of Russell is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. The area teems with a mash-up of indigenous and European history, evident in its architecture and historic sites. Sail around the bay on a chartered yacht or iconic tall ship or explore the multiple personalities of The Gables 1847, which has served as a bakery, bordello and shelter for AWOL sailors on the lam.
Restaurants in Russell

1. Kakapo 21 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand MoaTrek
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary

Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.

Reviewed By Wander636823

Kudos to Moa Tours for organising such a great trip. Te Wai Poumanu is beautiful in April with all the autumn colours. This was my first trip with Moa and I have already booked a second one. Special mention must be made of our guide Andrew. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm shone throughout and he has a great sense of humour, much appreciated when dealing with so many diverse customers. He always went the extra mile to make everyone’s journey enjoyable. I would highly recommend both Moa and Andrew for kiwis wanting to experience the beauty of their own country.

2. 3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

Leisure Tours
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4.2 based on 30 reviews

This comprehensive 3-day tour of the Bay of Islands is ideal for the first time visitor to New Zealand. With natural beauty, rocky islets and pristine beaches, the Bay of Islands is the water playground of the North Island. Learn about Maori culture, travel to the northernmost point of New Zealand and take a cruise through the famous "Hole in the Rock".

Inclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland, Transportation by air-conditioned coach, Commentary by local guide, 2-nights accommodation in the Bay of Islands, Hole in the Rock' Cruise (weather permitting), Russell township tour, Ferry from Russel to Paihia

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

3. 3-Day Bay of Islands Arrival Tour with Waitangi Treaty Grounds from Auckland

Leisure Tours

Join this spectacular 3 day arrival tour for the chance to see both Auckland and the Bay of Islands. You will be picked up from Auckland airport on arrival and enjoy 2 nights accommodation in your Central Auckland hotel. On day two, you will experience a full day tour up to the beautiful Bay of Islands: a year round destination and the birth place of our nation. Eplore the townships of both Paihia and Russell and embark a guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Drop off at Auckland Airport on day three can be included.

Inclusions: 2-nights accommodation, Driver/guide, Airport pickup

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By ClosesOnTour

Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.

4. Far North Light House Experience - Overnight [3 Day Tour]

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart

Get to know the highlights of the Bay of Islands on this guided tour. Discover Paihia and the historic township of Russell, New Zealand’s first Capital on this relaxing coach tour. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you will gain an understanding on New Zealand's early history. Next we board the Fullers Ferry to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand and a significant place in history for both the Maori and European settlers. The 1hr mini tour of Russell takes you to town's icon locations before the return ferry trip back to Paihia. Be ready for a journey like no other with a full-day coach tour into the Far North of New Zealand. Along the way you'll visit ancient kauri forests, drive along the sand of Ninety Mile Beach and even have a go at sandboarding – surfing down the massive sand dunes at Te Paki Stream. A visit to the very tip of Aotearoa (New Zealand) will open your eyes to Māori culture as you learn of the spiritual significance of this place Cape Reinga.

Inclusions: Lunch, Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey, Hand-picked accommodation included in our platinum and gold packages, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation, All entrance and activity fees, Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities, Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish, Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell Mini Tour, Entry to Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise, Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Hand-picked accommodation excluded in our bronze package

Reviewed By ivris2019

Highly recommend Started off with Guided Tour with Mark definitely a must do . Came away with more knowledge of my country ????❤️ Finished off with relaxing in Mud Bath and spa omg Heaven ???? Definitely going back again ????

5. All Inclusive Private Tour - Northland 3 Days

Paihia Wharf, Bay Of Islands, Northland 0200, New Zealand Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours

A 3-day all inclusive private tour into the real far north of New Zealand. Only you, your partner and your guide will be travelling in the comfort of a Toyota 4x4 SUV, solo travellers also welcome. Visit over three epic days a Kiwi-bird raising sanctuary, waterfalls, ancient kauri forests, glow worm caves and historic harbours and missionary stations. Travel over unsealed back country roads as well as the more remote highways of the North Island. Stay in boutique accommodation in the remote Hokianga. With your choice of afternoon activity on the third day in the Bay of Islands you get to experience the best of Northland.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

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Reviewed By Anderoo69

Mark was an awesome friendly & knowledgeable tour guide. Lots of information, showed us some sites and let us discover others ourselves. Comfy vehicle and good driving skills

6. Hole in the Rock Experience - Overnight [2 Day Tour]

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart

Get to know the highlights of the Bay of Islands on this guided tour. Discover Paihia and the historic township of Russell, New Zealand’s first Capital on this relaxing coach tour. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you will gain an understanding on New Zealand's early history. Next we board the Fullers Ferry to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand and a significant place in history for both the Maori and European settlers. The 1hr mini tour of Russell takes you to town's icon locations before the return ferry trip back to Paihia. Take a half-day Hole in the Rock cruise and explore the Bay in search of dolphins while visiting its highlights. You could be watching dolphins as they leap and play in sheltered waters - or keep an eye out for other marine mammals like whales and seals. Cruise in and out of beautiful unspoilt islands, see the remote Cape Brett Lighthouse and the impressive Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako Island.

Inclusions: Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey, Hand-picked accommodation included in our platinum and gold packages, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation, All entrance and activity fees, Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities, Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish, Entry to Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise, Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell Mini Tour

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Hand-picked accommodation excluded in our bronze package

Reviewed By ivris2019

Highly recommend Started off with Guided Tour with Mark definitely a must do . Came away with more knowledge of my country ????❤️ Finished off with relaxing in Mud Bath and spa omg Heaven ???? Definitely going back again ????

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