Title: Russell Christ Church in Russell - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

[Russell Christ Church Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Christ-Church-Hotels.0-l6111734-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Russell](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Russell.d9659.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Russell](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Russell.d9659.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Russell Christ Church Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Russell-Christ-Church.d6111734.Car-Rental-Guide)[Russell Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Russell.d9659.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Russell Christ Church Tours and Activities

![Russell Christ Church](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179268-Bay-Of-Islands.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Russell Christ Church](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/474000/474662-Russell-Christ-Church.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Russell Christ Church featuring a cemetery and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179886-Christ-Church.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Russell Christ Church](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/474000/474579-Russell.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Russell Christ Church showing a church or cathedral and a cemetery](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179885-Christ-Church.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Russell Christ Church

Activities

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

Tours & day trips

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips)

Cruises & boat tours

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=CruisesBoatTours)

History & culture

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=HistoryCulture)

Private & custom tours

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=Privatecustomtours)

Water activities

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=Wateractivities)

Food, drink & nightlife

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=FoodDrinkNightlife)

Classes & workshops

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=ClassesWorkshops)

Adventure & outdoor

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6111734&location=Russell+Christ+Church&filter.categories=AdventureOutdoor)

---

---

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

Russell Christ Church is one of the oldest standing churches in New Zealand. Originally built by European settlers in the Bay of Islands, the historic building has been wonderfully restored and is fully operational. Attend a Sunday service here and admire the attractive interior.

Missionaries purchased the land in 1834 and built the church in the heart of Russell, a rough seaport at the time. The church was a site of early contact between the Māori and Europeans, and was later damaged by stray musket and cannon fire during the Battle of Kororareka in 1845\. Study the exterior and find chips and holes dating back to this battle.

Several community events, including small markets and car boot sales, are occasionally held at the church. Check the schedule to see if any are happening during your visit. The church also hosts Māori services and special happenings for religious holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Advent and Christmas.

Don’t leave without exploring the old cemetery outside. Look for memorials commemorating prominent local figures. Among the most famous memorials is one dedicated to the Ngāpuhi chief Tāmati Waka Nene, who was instrumental in persuading other Māori chiefs to sign the pivotal Treaty of Waitangi.

To discover more about the history of this battle and the town, head to the nearby Russell Museum. The museum is less than 5 minutes’ away on foot. Exhibits here also include whaling artefacts, such as harpoons, oars and whalebones.

If you are looking for something to eat, walk over to the main beach, which is less than 300 metres (1,000 feet) from the church. The waterfront area has restaurants that serve freshly caught fish as well as an excellent range of local wines.

The historic church is fully operational and welcomes visitors when the schedule permits. Join worshippers at a Sunday service or check the official website for upcoming events. The church is located in the centre of Russell, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) from Auckland.

## Plan a trip to see Russell Christ Church

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

![QT Auckland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/55000000/54040000/54037300/54037276/4c881f13_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### QT Auckland

Auckland Central Business District

CA $2,759

per person

Feb 11 - Feb 15

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Auckland (AKL)

9/10 Wonderful! (569 reviews)

The bed was great! There are some strange things about the room, like the light switches and the tv, which were both pretty difficult to figure out, also I never got the handheld shower sprayer to work however the restaurant in this place is phenomenal!! All the folks that work there are extremely nice and helpful. One gave us a restaurant recommendation that was the best Indian food we've had in years.

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

![Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/850000/849600/849571/d4ecb13d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland

Auckland Central Business District

CA $2,761

per person

Feb 1 - Feb 6

found 1 hour ago

Roundtrip flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Auckland (AKL)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (720 reviews)

The staff was friendly and helpful. The room was awesome. We would stay again.

Reviewed on Dec 16, 2025

![Park Hyatt Auckland](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38880000/38874300/38874278/47ae1c6f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Park Hyatt Auckland

Auckland Central Business District

CA $3,325

per person

Feb 11 - Feb 15

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YYZ) to Auckland (AKL)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)

The view from our room over the harbour was quite good. The hotel is high class and the service excellent.

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

### Popular places to visit

![Russell Museum featuring street scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179973-Russell-Museum.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 Beach showing a sandy beach, a coastal town and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179291-Bay-Of-Islands.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)

![Flagstaff Hill showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236033-Northlands.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Flagstaff Hill

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.

[](https://expedia.ca/Flagstaff-Hill-Russell.d6111730.Vacation-Attraction)

![Paihia Wharf featuring a coastal town and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/180000/180330-Paihia-Wharf.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)

![Paihia Beach which includes a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179874-Paihia-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Paihia Beach

Go on fishing charters, swim in the sea and browse shops and restaurants near Paihia’s main beach, the site of an annual swimming event that attracts competitors from around the country.

[](https://expedia.ca/Paihia-Beach-Northland.d6111722.Vacation-Attraction)

![Waitangi Treaty Grounds](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/474000/474497-Northlands.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)

---

## Best Lodging Options Near Russell Christ Church

## Check availability on hotels close to Russell Christ Church

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=2025-12-16&endDate=2025-12-17)[Dec 16 - Dec 17](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=2025-12-16&endDate=2025-12-17)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=2025-12-17&endDate=2025-12-18)[Dec 17 - Dec 18](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=2025-12-17&endDate=2025-12-18)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 26 - Dec 28](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6111734&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025)

![The Duke of Marlborough Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1040000/1038100/1038082/52b2319c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

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/1000000/30000/26300/26206/8660070f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

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)

### 

Seaport Village

10 Chapel Street Russell Far North

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

![The Commodores Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4830000/4828500/4828458/fff6ec12_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Commodores Lodge

The Strand Russell 

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-The-Commodores-Lodge.h4828458.Hotel-Information)

![The Captains Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4210000/4208500/4208433/d7d46106_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Captains Motel

16 Matauwhi Road Russell 

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Motel-Russell.h4208433.Hotel-Information)

![Woodies Retreat](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106800000/106797400/106797379/71113aa7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Woodies Retreat

Russell Russell Northland

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Woodies-Retreat.h106797379.Hotel-Information)

![Bellrock Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4700000/4691000/4690962/ab5c71db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Bellrock Lodge

22 Chapel Street Russell 

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Bellrock-Lodge.h4690962.Hotel-Information)

![On the absolute waterfront of Kororareka Russell with magnificent views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/118000000/117470000/117467700/117467695/a2ec69d5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

On the absolute waterfront of Kororareka Russell with magnificent views

 Russell Northland Region

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-On-The-Absolute-Waterfront-Of-Kororareka-Russell-With-Magnificent-Views.h117467695.Hotel-Information)

![Cedar Bay - Central Russell](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29490000/29486000/29485969/51c4e265_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Cedar Bay - Central Russell

 Russell Northland

[](https://expedia.ca/Russell-Hotels-Cedar-Bay-Central-Russell.h29485969.Hotel-Information)

[See all 441 properties in Russell Christ Church](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6111734)

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.