What's Happening?

The Community of Russell takes great pleasure welcoming all the participants of the 29^thHSBC Premier Coastal Classic. For those arriving by land and those race contestants arriving by sea, consider staying the weekend; there is a lot to do. The following agenda outlines what you can expect. In addition, Russell is a great place to relax for the weekend. We’ve outlined just a few of the things that you can do to make your weekend fun and relaxing.

• Hang around with all the yachts and sailing friends at the Russell waterfront.
  
  
• Visit the annual Craft Fair in the Town Hall on the Strand.
  
  
• Stroll around the village, you’ll enjoy the interesting shops and the gardens in-between.
  
  
• Take a tour on the scenic Russell Mini Tour Bus.
  
  
• Drop into Fullers, Dolphin Discovery or Kings and take one of the many tours to the bay.
  
  
• Visit the first and oldest church in New Zealand and see the wonderful tapestries of Christ Church.
  
  
• Visit Flagstaff Hill and stand where Hone Heke cut down the British flag, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Islands.
  
  
• Take a fishing charter out in the bay, you may catch the biggest one of your life, or dream about the big ones on display at the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club.
  
  
• See the replica of Endeavor in the Russell Museum.
• Visit the Department of Conservation’s exhibits and learn about New Zealand natural history.
  
  
• Visit Pompallier House, the oldest factory in New Zealand. Learn something about early settlement here in Russell.
  
  
• Look through the many arts and craft studios and take home a special souvenir of Russell.
  
  
• Go para-sailing in the bay.
  
  
• Soak up the sun on Long Beach
  
  
• Watch the sun set from the Russell waterfront.
  
  
• Watch the sunrise from Long Beach.
  
  
• Visit Pompallier House, one of the first factories in New Zealand. Leather was tanned and texts printed. They continue to bind books today.
  
  
• Visit the treaty house in Waitangi; see the birth of a country.
  
  
• Swim with the dolphins or just watch them play. The boat leaves from the Russell Wharf.
  
  
• Hire a paddle boat or sea kayak on the beach.
  
  
• Enjoy the many excellent restaurants here in the village: Sally’s, Kamakura, Gannets, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, The Duke Tavern, York Street Café, The Bounty Bistro, The Waterfront Café, Birdie Num Num’s, have an espresso at the coffee bar on Cass Street or treat yourself at Omata Estate Vineyard; sample their menu and wines.