"RUSSELL" Russell by shiran_d

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.’

• In a nutshell:Plan to spend at least a day in Russell to explore this unique location and soak up the atmosphere