We are passionate about all students having an equal opportunity to see and touch the topics they are learning about, to get out of their comfort zone and expand their minds regardless of background, culture or beliefs.
It is heart warming (and sometimes tear jerking!) listening to the students’ growth and reflections around our fire pit at the end of a stay.
We aim to provide your school group with a comfortable stay, as well as a memorable, educational and fun experience outside the classroom.
Make New Zealand History come alive!
Our ‘hands on’ School History package will step your students into New Zealand’s rich past and is a memorable, educational and fun way to learn about History.
A 3 day, 2 night accommodation & history activity package for just $209 per student.
This package offers a hands-on history experience that aligns perfectly with the curriculum, making it an ideal educational trip for your students. It’s our most popular package for schools at the moment.
Give your students the chance to see Kiwi in the wild!
If you’re looking for a memorable, immersive experience, we highly recommend our guided Kiwi Night Tour. With expert guidance, your group will learn how to identify signs of kiwi activity, understand their behaviours, and significantly increase their chances of seeing one in the wild!
Kiwi have been spotted all around the park, not just on the trail—making this an exciting time to visit! Along the way, students will uncover why the Māori hold the kiwi in such high regard, explore their natural habitat, and develop tracking skills to help them spot these treasured birds.
10-29pax $30 per person
30+ pax $15 per person
Approx 1 hour long.
Teach New Zealand History with confidence – Experience it firsthand!
We are based in the heart of New Zealand history and have lots of options for teachers to upskill in this area as part of their professional development. Come, see, hear and experience New Zealand History first hand so you can feel more equipped to teach this subject in the classroom.
Affordable Accommodation options
Lodge
Enjoy exclusive use of the Lodge offering 12 separate outward facing rooms accommodating around 70 guests at any one time. The Lodge hosts a fully equipped kitchen leading out to a lounge with large stone log fire and dining area that opens out onto a large deck. Dedicated use of male and female bathrooms are completely separate from any other guests. A marquee can also be set up alongside the Lodge (by prior arrangement) offering an extra undercover area.
- From only $25.00 per child per night
- Adults from $33.00 per night
Camping
Camping with exclusive use of facilities and reserved areas of the Park – just for your group.
- From only $12.00 per child per night
- Adults from $16.00 per night
Additional cabins and a variety of self contained accommodation are also available.
Curriculum Links
Our holiday park is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by 14 acres of native bush and a gateway to the Bay of Islands. We are only a short trip to Russell & Waitangi both rich in New Zealand history & culture.
Our location offers over 50 activities that are rich in content for your school’s curriculum requirements, covering a range of educational areas including Social Sciences, History, People and Places. Ask us for a copy of our activities booklet – schools@russellaccommodation.co.nz
History – We are centrally located to Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Museums, Heritage tours – Pompallier Mission, Kerikeri Stone Store & Kemp House, Rewa’s Village, Te Ahurea, Russell Museum, Christ Church, Kororāreka Marae, the site of the first Capital, Flagstaff hill and much much more.
Cultural – We have incorporated a Te Ao Māori approach to a number of unique cultural education activities that we offer at the park. The Tikanga Māori values of Kaitiakitanga, Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga are entwined in these activities for schools they include: The Art of Hāngī, Raranga, Rongoā, Fire Pit Experience – Waiata & Narratives, and Kiwi Tours.
Nature & Environmental based – Students can explore our Kiwi trail looking for Kiwi (and may be lucky enough to see one in the wild). We teach the students about our 14 acres of native flora and fauna including the 55 species of birdlife, as well as the pest control work we undertake that enabled us to win a Predator Free award in 2019 & 2021, a TIA Sustainable Tourism award in 2022, and encourages the birdlife and native trees to flourish.
Itinerary Planning
We can help you with your itinerary to make planning easy for you with just one point of contact to organise your whole trip. Our team will work closely with you to provide a personalised itinerary that meets your budget and curriculum requirements. We work with all local businesses and our community to obtain the best prices for all the Bay of Islands (and wider Northland) activities including Waitangi Treaty Grounds, R Tucker -Thompson tall ship, Explore – cruises to the Hole in the Rock, Pompallier Mission and Printery, Kororāreka Museum , and many more. Talk to us about the options – some additional costs may apply.
Talk to us
Talk to us about your upcoming school trip requirements and we will work out a package to suit your needs & budget.
With prior arrangement we can provide for your cooking, cutlery and crockery requirements or catering options.
Our experienced team are all police checked and will provide you with assistance throughout your stay. They will even provide you with a RAMS form for you to adapt for your group.
Loved the Bay, will be coming back! Accommodated our large group easily in the lodge, great staff and lovely natural setting. The pool was a nice plus!
Woodford School, Feb 2021
We came with a large school group, Belinda had curated a fun, educational programme for us that our students loved. The park is a great facility that easily caters for a big group. We were very warmly welcomed and the staff went above and beyond for us. Highly recommend.
Flaxmere College, April 2024
Kids loved the chickens. Great to hear the calls of weka and kiwi. As a history spot for students it is hard to beat – will be back.
Orewa College, March 2021
Awesome place for a school trip. The rooms were clean and the group kitchen was well-appointed. We enjoyed the bush location and the swimming pool was great place to relax and the end of the day’s activities. We would definitely stay again.
Paeroa College, Feb 2021