Title: Flagstaff Hill in Russell - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Flagstaff Hill Tours and Activities

![Flagstaff Hill showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111730/41dc944c-b556-4e3b-9271-d583faba67db.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Flagstaff Hill showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111730/41dc944c-b556-4e3b-9271-d583faba67db.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Flagstaff Hill which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111730/bb7f67e8-12f8-48e8-9340-fe5134fac90b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Flagstaff Hill which includes tranquil scenes and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111730/ac5ca839-a025-42c1-8c8e-036211dd4181.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Flagstaff Hill which includes a bay or harbour and boating](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111730/7d1fe863-1f20-494b-8122-6a34aa8d4c83.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Flagstaff Hill

Activities

[Russell travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Russell.dx9659)

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#### On this important hill, learn about New Zealand’s early Māori and colonial history, look for iconic birds and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

Flagstaff Hill, or Te Maiki in Māori, has been an important vantage point for centuries. It remains popular today for those same views and its historical significance. Enjoy the 360-degree vistas of the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on the horizon.

Feel that you have earned the views from the top of Flagstaff Hill by making the walk up to the top from the historical village of Russell. Follow the directions from the northern end of The Strand, which runs along the picturesque waterfront of the town. The walk is a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) loop along a beach and up through regenerating manuka coastal scrub.

As you approach the top, you will realize why this hill has always been a strategic spot. The Māori of this area saw the benefits of this vantage point early on and made terraced sections near the top to assist in their defense. These terraces are still there today.

Once at the top, take in the breathtaking views. Emerald-hued islands and rock formations dot the bright blue waters of the aptly named Bay of Islands. The colonial town of Russell clings to the hill and rolling hills stretch out to the southwest.

Stand beneath the tall flag pole that gave the hill its name. It’s not the original, however. The first few flagstaffs were cut down by local Māori to send a signal to the European settlers, who had made nearby Old Russell their capital. This protest followed the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840, just across the bay.

While at the top of the hill, head to the sundial. This point offers even more stunning views. While walking around the hill at dawn, dusk or at night, be very quiet and listen out for curious weka and shy kiwi, the iconic flightless birds that call this hill home.

Flagstaff Hill is always accessible and free to visit. As well as a walking trail to the summit, there is a steep road up, with a parking lot at the top.

## Plan a trip to see Flagstaff Hill

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![The Grand by SkyCity](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386200/1386172/af1bd6d9_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Grand by SkyCity

Auckland Central Business District

CA $3,084

per person

Apr 7 - Apr 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Auckland (AKL)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,897 reviews)

Everything was fantastic, except for the bed, it was too soft I was sinking into the bed.

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

![The Hotel Britomart](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/45000000/44460000/44455300/44455269/99eec22f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Hotel Britomart

Auckland Central Business District

CA $3,226

per person

Apr 7 - Apr 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Auckland (AKL)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (559 reviews)

Love staying here, it feels better than home, always clean and fresh

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

![Horizon by SkyCity ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96770000/96762100/96762015/7547c255_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Horizon by SkyCity 

Auckland Central Business District

CA $3,096

per person

Apr 7 - Apr 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Auckland (AKL)

9.8/10 Exceptional! (603 reviews)

Excellent room. Clean, quiet and spacious. Comfortable bed. Service was a little lacking.

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Russell Beach showing a sandy beach, a coastal town and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111726/203eb34f-6b5d-4386-b889-ab5552b0ab8a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Russell Beach

Wander along the jetty for wonderful views of Kororareka Bay, get out on the water in a boat and enjoy alfresco dining along the beachfront.

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Beach-Russell.d6111726.Vacation-Attraction)

![Russell Museum featuring street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111728/f6786d18-648f-41e4-bbd3-efed6d18a928.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Russell Museum

Learn about Russell’s Māori heritage and the history of European settlers through this vast collection of photographs, documents and other objects.

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Museum-Russell.d6111728.Vacation-Attraction)

![Russell Christ Church showing a church or cathedral and a cemetery](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111734/f11d68d9-ac3c-45ed-a25c-29edf175ce0d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Russell Christ Church

This charming and peaceful 19th-century church is a prominent historical landmark, while the surrounding cemetery is a good spot for a stroll.

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Christ-Church-Russell.d6111734.Vacation-Attraction)

![Waitangi Treaty Grounds which includes indigenous culture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111724/5c87be0a-7c3a-466c-9998-4d2705af6042.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Find out about the history of Waitangi when you spend time at Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Waitangi-Treaty-Grounds-Waitangi.d6111724.Vacation-Attraction)

![Treaty House showing indigenous culture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967332/139c3ff5-d303-4b72-b779-d890bfe7a6e2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Treaty House

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Treaty House during your travels in Waitangi. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Treaty-House-Waitangi.d553248621526967332.Vacation-Attraction)

![Paihia Wharf featuring a coastal town and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6291934/0e8b7e76-5fa3-458f-abdf-13940bf16d6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Paihia Wharf

Dine on fresh seafood in local restaurants, admire stunning oceanfront views and embark on cruises and fishing excursions from this pretty wharf.

[](https://expedia.ca/Paihia-Wharf-Paihia.d6291934.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Flagstaff Hill

## Check availability on hotels close to Flagstaff Hill

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111730&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111730&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)

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### 

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

35 The Strand Russell 

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-The-Duke-Of-Marlborough-Hotel.h1038082.Hotel-Information)

![Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/26300/26206/e69356ab_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

104 Marsden Road Paihia 

[](https://expedia.ca/Paihia-Hotels-Kingsgate-Hotel-Autolodge-Paihia.h26206.Hotel-Information)

![Seaport Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9627600/9627542/5f98315a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Seaport Village

10 Chapel Street Russell Far North

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Seaport-Village.h9627542.Hotel-Information)

![Eagles Nest](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1210000/1207500/1207453/f636ddd3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Eagles Nest

60 Tapeka Road Russell 

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Eagles-Nest.h1207453.Hotel-Information)

![Garden Suite Private Suite](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96240000/96232300/96232269/133f6971_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Garden Suite Private Suite

 Russell Northland

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Garden-Suite-Private-Suite.h96232269.Hotel-Information)

![Te Maiki Retreat - Russell Holiday Home](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/58000000/57180000/57174600/57174586/7b7d2b6e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Te Maiki Retreat - Russell Holiday Home

 Russell Far North

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Te-Maiki-Retreat-Russell-Holiday-Home.h57174586.Hotel-Information)

![Te Maiki Escape - Russell Holiday Home](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36300000/36292400/36292355/2ee4009f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Te Maiki Escape - Russell Holiday Home

 Russell Far North

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Te-Maiki-Escape-Russell-Holiday-Home.h36292355.Hotel-Information)

![Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/66000000/65410000/65400700/65400619/fb4689a8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Self contained studio room with private entrance and stunning sea views

 Russell Northland

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Self-Contained-Studio-Room-With-Private-Entrance-And-Stunning-Sea-Views.h65400619.Hotel-Information)

![The Sails](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29860000/29850900/29850900/155ef2bd_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Sails

71 Wellington St Russell Northland

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-The-Sails.h29850900.Hotel-Information)

[See all 439 properties in Flagstaff Hill](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6111730)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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## 

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