What to do in Russell

Activities, attractions and tours

Russell which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Russell featuring a sunset, café scenes and general coastal views
Russell featuring rugged coastline and a bay or harbour
Russell showing a coastal town, a bay or harbour and sailing
Russell featuring a bay or harbour

Russell Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Russell has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Russell is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Russell to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Russell Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Russell.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Russell attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Russell

Tours & day trips

See all 26 activities
3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

Activity duration is 3 days
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $972 per adult
3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from AucklandOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $109 per adult
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island StopoverOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $109 per adult
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island StopoverOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 3 activities
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $109 per adult
From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island StopoverOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Russell

Number of things to do
28
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Russell: 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Coach & Long Beach: CA $29
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Russell

Discover the most popular places to visit in Russell

Russell Beach showing a sandy beach, a coastal town and a bay or harbour

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.

Russell Beach
Flagstaff Hill showing a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole

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.

Flagstaff Hill
Russell Christ Church

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.

Russell Christ Church
Russell Museum featuring street scenes

Russell Museum

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

Russell Museum

Lookout

You can find out about the history of Russell when you stop by Lookout. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in the area.

Lookout

Tapeka Point Historic Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Tapeka Point Historic Reserve, a lovely green space in Tapeka. Visit the area's spas or amble around its beautiful beaches.

Tapeka Point Historic Reserve

Pompallier Mission

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Pompallier Mission during your trip to Russell. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Pompallier Mission

Pompalier House

You can find out about the history of Russell with a trip to Pompalier House. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the spas in the area.

Pompalier House

Explore areas of Russell

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Te Wahapu

While Te Wahapu might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Paihia Beach and Russell Beach.

Te Wahapu

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Russell

Okiato featuring a bay or harbour

Okiato

Frequently asked questions

Is Russell worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Russell is explore Action World. Check this top sight off your list, then discover more of the area's hiking and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Russell?
Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Action World are two good places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Russell while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Russell?
Don't leave without exploring Action World, rated the top tourist attraction in Russell.
Is three days enough to stay in Russell?
Three days is plenty for a short getaway in Russell — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you want to really experience it all, book for at least a week or more to discover some hidden gems too.
Is Russell a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Russell is a great destination to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Action World and Waitangi Golf Club. Then take a stroll through Tapeka, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Te Wahapu, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Russell with kids?
Deciding what to do in Russell with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Russell for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Russell, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Hundertwasser Public Toilets.
Are there free things to do in Russell?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Russell is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Bay of Islands Marina is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.