"Russell - First Capital of New Zealand" Russell by IcemanNZL

Russell Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 49 photos

View of Russell and harbour from Flagstaff Hill

Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and one of the first European settlements. The town is surrounded in history, from the police station on the waterfront and other buildings to the Christ Church the oldest surviving church in the country.

Known as the "Hell-hole of the Pacific" the town began as the native village of Kororareka, the first Europeans were ship deserters and exconvicts from New South Wales after whaling ships began stopping here for provisions from the early 1800s.

Felton Mathew, the country's first Surveyor-General arrived with Captain Hobson and said the Kororareka was 'a vile hole, full of impudent, half-drunken people'. Soon after his arrival and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Captain Hobson purchase about 124 hectares near Russell as a site for the country's captial.
The township was named 'Russell' and for nine months was New Zealands captial, before being moved to Auckland in early 1841.

Russell is definately a place to visit while in the Bay of Islands. It is 3km across the harbour from Paihia and will cost about NZD$5.00 for the ferry.

Last visit to Russell: Jan 2004
Intro Written Jan 20, 2004
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Reviews (5)

Pompallier House Things to Do (4)

Built in 1841 - 1842, Pompallier House is the only remaining building of the first Catholic Mission to Western Oceania.... more travel advice

Blue, Red and White Ferries Transportation (1)

Russell is only 3Km across the bay from Paihia and ferries cross the harbour frequently. The blue and white ferries... more travel advice

Chist Church - NZ's oldest surviving... Things to Do (4)

Christ Church built in 1836 is the oldest surviving church in the country. As the only building of consequence in the... more travel advice

Flagstaff Hill Things to Do (4)

On Flagstaff Hill is the site of the flagpole erected in January 1858. After being unceremoniously cut down not once but... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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allikat Sep 30, 2005 at 11:53 PM

Really enjoyed your Russell tips and pics - have decided to take my parents there for a couple of days when they arrive - any accommodation recommendations? Hope you are all cool and groovy x
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kiwi Jan 22, 2004 at 2:50 PM

Looking great so far Wayne! I'll be back for more. Russell is a really nice spot. Glad you all had a fun trip!