Kia ora koutou,

A huge thank you for all your support throughout 2025 — we were grateful to host so many school groups, including lots of new schools discovering Russell and the Bay of Islands for the first time.

As we look ahead, Term 1 is fully booked, and we’re now taking bookings for Terms 2, 3 & 4, 2026. And some schools are locking in their 2027 dates already. So if you’re planning a school camp or education trip later this year, we recommend getting in touch as early as possible to secure your preferred dates.

We’d love to welcome your school in 2026.

Ngā mihi nui,
The Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park Team

History comes alive at Russell Museum

Step into the place where New Zealand’s story began at the Russell Museum, where history comes alive through immersive storytelling, interactive exhibits, and hands-on learning experiences aligned with Social Sciences, Science, the Arts, Technology, and History.

School groups love the interactive mapping table, which uses animation to tell the story of the Bay of Islands — from pre-human natural history through Polynesian arrival and European exploration — as well as the impressive one-fifth scale model of the Endeavour.

Visits can be self-guided or guided to suit your group’s learning needs.

Glowworms (Titiwai) – a hidden gem in Russell

Looking for a magical, memorable experience that doesn’t cost a thing?
Discover a secret glowworm location right in Russell township. It’s free and easy to access. We’ve put together a ‘need to know’ guide with all the details.

One of the most unforgettable moments for our school groups is the chance to see a kiwi in the wild right here in the native bush surrounding the park. For many students, this is their first — and possibly only — opportunity to experience New Zealand’s most iconic bird in the wild.

Late last year, we removed TVs from our accommodation as part of our commitment to helping guests switch off from screens and reconnect with nature. This creates the perfect environment for students to slow down, be present, and engage with the natural world around them.

It’s an experience that sparks excitement, builds understanding of conservation and native wildlife, and becomes a highlight students talk about long after their trip ends.