Surrounded by the chorus of native birdsong and immersed in nature, Russell – Orongo Bay Holiday Park is an ideal base for special interest environmental groups, conservation volunteers and those interested in ecologically sustainable businesses.
Set amongst 14 acres of native New Zealand bush there is plenty to see and study at the park. Fifty five species of birds have been identified at the park and we are proudly home to some of the rarest New Zealand birds; North Island brown kiwi, North Island weka and the pāteke. Amateur and professional photographers come from around New Zealand and further afar to photograph our birdlife and the BBC have spent time filming our cheeky Weka for a documentary (Earth’s mythical Islands).
We are proud to be predator free (2019 winner of the predator free NZ holiday park award) and have invested in actively ridding the park of the most damaging introduced predators that threaten our nation’s natural taonga, abundant native wildlife and forests.
The Russell peninsula is a kiwi and weka protection zone and there are a number of conservation projects of interest happening in this area.
We can also assist with organising volunteer placements and itineraries for environmental programs in the area including project work on our 5.59 hectare site.
Talk to us
Talk to us about your environmental group requirements and we will work out a package to suit your needs & budget.
Accommodation options
The Lodge is an ideal venue for environmental groups and clubs and has capacity for up to 60 people. Lodge rooms are relatively roomy with sliding glass doors which lead onto a good sized deck for outdoor living. With a cosy log fire and plenty of BBQ areas for socialising it’s the perfect venue summer or winter.
For smaller groups there are also a number of cabins available. And if you really want to get ‘back to basics’ there are plenty of camping sites.