Environmental

Russell is ideal for low impact activities, situated in the geographic centre of the Bay of Islands it offers a wonderful range of kayaking, biking, swimming and walking opportunities. 

You can kayak to an island in an hour or so and walk to another island in low tide for wide views over the Bay. You can swim with dolphins or go on a kiwi trail. 

Free tour booking and information service at our park reception
We can save time and hassle by organising and booking your Bay of Islands tours and activities for you!
Our knowledgeable team can also provide recommendations should you need them.  Complimentary for all Holiday Park guests. 

Plant a Tree

When you stay with us you can plant a native tree. It’s an opportunity to help us restore and support toitū toirua (regeneration) of our park.  And it may also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.

You’ll pay $40 per tree and all profits from the sale of the trees go to Project Island Song – a wildlife sanctuary in the Bay of Islands. Project Island Song have successfully ensured that the seven main islands of Ipipiri, in the eastern Bay of Islands, have been pest mammal free since 2009, allowing the natural eco-systems to be restored.

Walking is a mans best medicine

The picturesque town of Russell and the surrounding area is the perfect place to take a walk and there are a number of scenic walks you can do. Or you can visit during the official Bay of Islands walking weekend and enjoy guided walks.

Here are some walks we recommend close to the Holiday Park:

Kiwi trail – Explore our Kiwi trail, cut within acres of native bush at the rear of our holiday park and if you venture the trail at night you might be lucky enough to see a kiwi in the wild! But you will regularly hear the distinctive call of the kiwi at night. 

Boardwalk (Time: 20mins) – Looking across from the holiday park towards Orongo Bay is a neat little boardwalk. Turn left out of the park and cross over the road, follow the gravel walkway down to the boardwalk. You can complete a full circle returning to the park from the other side of the boardwalk. 

Walking to Russell village (Time: 55mins)  – Turn right out of the Park.  Walk around the bend and get on to the path on the left of the road.  The walkway crosses the road and passes through wetlands and then turns down into Florance Avenue into Russell village. 

Full Circle Day Walk (Time 5-6 hours)  – A 17km walk consisting of two distinct sections Paihia to Opua and Okiato to Russell with a ferry ride between Opua to Okiato. The scenery is stunning from beach and mangroves to dense bush and hilly terrain.