What to do and see in Russell, North Island: The Best Private Tours

February 1, 2022 Lashaunda Abraham

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. Scenic Escape Private Tour

Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota 4x4 with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 4.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, subtropical rain forests and rural farming areas away from the crowds. You can also extend your tour with 1-hour options of a winery lunch or a visit to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions:

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

2. Scenic Escape with Winery Lunch and Glow Worm Caves

Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, The Wharf, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota 4x4 with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 6.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, subtropical rain forests and rural farming areas away from the crowds. Also included are a winery lunch and a visit to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Wine tasting and antipasto platter at one of Northland's award winning vineyards., Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase during lunch option)

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

3. Scenic Escape with Winery Lunch

Paihia Wharf, Bay Of Islands, Northland 0200, New Zealand Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota 4x4 with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 5.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, subtropical rain forests and rural farming areas away from the crowds. Included in your tour is a 1-hour winery lunch with wine tasting. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Wine tasting and antipasto platter at one of Northland's award winning vineyards., Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase during lunch)

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

4. Scenic Mustang Convertible Tour with Winery Lunch

Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model V8 Mustang convertible with a maximum of 3 passengers in your private group. On your 5.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, beautiful harbours, beaches and rural farming areas away from the crowds. You also stop at an award winning vineyard for a winery lunch and wine tasting. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Private tour - only your group in the Mustang, Antipasto platter lucnh and wine tasting at an award winning vineryard.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase during lunch)

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

5. Private Afternoon Wine Tour of Russell, Bay of Islands

Cass Street, Russell 0202, New Zealand Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore award winning wineries of Russell in the Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota 4x4 SUV with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 4-hour guided tour you will visit two of Russell's vineyards, one each end of the tour, and see historic locations, panoramic scenery, forests and rural farming areas away from the crowds. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver. Due to the seasonal opening hours of the wineries this tour is only available during the Northland summer season.

Inclusions: All wine tastings at vineyard cellar doors, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Local driver/guide, Private tour- only your group in the Toyota 4x4 SUV

Exclusions: Bottled wine and beer (available to purchase during tastings)

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. Historic Northland Private Tour

Paihia Wharf, Bay Of Islands, Northland 0200, New Zealand Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

With a focus on the 1845 Northland Wars, this private guided tour is an excellent choice for those interested in the missionary history of the area. Explore the back country roads of the Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota SUV with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group included in the price. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks (available to purchase at stops along the way)

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

7. Private Wine Tour in a Mustang or 4x4

Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

Explore award winning wineries of the Bay of Islands and Northland in a luxury, late model Mustang convertible or Toyota SUV. On your private 4-hour guided tour you will visit at least three of Northland's vineyards and see historic locations, panoramic scenery and rural farming areas away from the crowds. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Local driver/guide, All wine tastings at vineyard cellar doors

Exclusions: Bottled wine and beer (available to purchase during tastings), Food and drinks, unless specified

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

8. Scenic Escape with Glow Worm Caves

InterCity Paihia Bus Stop, Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Rogue Pony Experiences and Private Tours
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the historic Bay of Islands in a luxury, late model Toyota 4x4 SUV with a maximum of 4 passengers in your group. On your private 5.5-hour guided tour you will see historic locations, spectacular waterfalls, panoramic scenery, subtropical rain forests, tiny glow worms in their natural habitat and rural farming areas away from the crowds. Your tour is adaptable with no fixed schedule, allowing you to stop for photos, ask questions, take your time or relax and talk with your local driver.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private Tour in 4x4 (If there are 4 in your group, 3 will be friendly across the back seat), WiFi on board

Exclusions:

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

9. Auckland to Bay of Islands Private Tour

Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand TIME Unlimited Tours

Private Tour from Auckland to the stunning Bay of Islands, located about 3 hours north of Auckland, including stunning coastal scenery along the way. Discover Waitangi Treaty House, located within a reserve where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Enjoy a cruise around the bay including the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Return to Auckland or drop-off in the Bay of Islands.

Inclusions: Fully guided Private Tour in Mercedes luxury vehicle., Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland incl airport/cruise terminal., Tour times: 9am to 7pm (flexible)., Complimentary snacks & water., All tours support local eco-cultural initiatives.

Exclusions: Entry fees to attractions.

Reviewed By AylaS171

I had the best experience with Time Unlimited Tours, they were so prompt with their service. I had a group of 70 people getting transported from one venue to another. It was absolutely hassle free and my guests were very impressed! They were on time, so kind and helpful. Neill and Ceillhe are the loviest people and I just can't recommend their service enough!! 10/10 across the board. I would use this company again, ANY day of the week!

10. 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 ????

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