The Art of Hāngī
A full day/evening of mātauranga (learning) the traditional art of Hangi. From digging the earth oven to prepping the kai (food), decorating the kai room and practicing for the evening entertainment. This special experience of Manaakitanga will keep everyone busy from breakfast through to the late evening.
Minimum numbers: 30
Age Limit: From 7 years old
Time Frame: 9am until 7pm
Contact us for pricing
Raranga
Weaving is a living art form passed down from our ancestors and symbolises the survival of the māori culture. Learn how to collect the harakeke (flax) according to Māori traditions and learn the practical aspects of flax weaving. An insight into the incredible qualities of harakeke and māori tikanga (culture).
Minimum numbers: 5 (for groups of 20 or more please contact us to discuss)
Age Limit – 7 years with supervision
Time Frame – 1.5 hours
Contact us for pricing
Rongoā
Take a wander around our 14 acres of native bush and learn about the incredible properties of a number of our native plants. From tea drinking, to food and healing a variety of conditions. You will look at the native bush around you with fresh eyes. Harvest and prepare your very own balm.
Minimum numbers: 5 (for groups of 20 or more please contact us to discuss)
Age Limit – 7 years with supervision
Time Frame – 1.5 hours
Contact us for pricing
Firepit – Waiata & Narratives
Join us for an evening of waiata, Māri narratives and inspiring stories around our firepit. Toast some marshmallows and take a moment to reflect in the beautiful natural setting under our magnificent starry sky.
Minimum numbers: 10 (for groups of 30 or more please contact us to discuss)
Children must be supervised
Time Frame: 1.5 hours
Contact us for pricing
Russell – A very beautiful seaside village
The Bay of Islands was where the Māori first arrived in New Zealand and Russell was the first capital and the first European settlement established in New Zealand, originally known as Kororareka, “How sweet is the penguin” (kororā meaning blue penguin and reka meaning sweet). A port for whalers and sealers it gained a reputation as the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’. It was renamed Russell in 1844 in honour of the British Colonial Secretary of the day, so our village is rich in history. Even the headstones of Christ Church, New Zealand’s first church have a story to tell.
Allow plenty of time to explore and enjoy the heritage and ambience of picturesque Russell where you can visit some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand and the local galleries.
Here are just some of the places you should visit:
- Pompallier Printery
- Christ Church
- Flagstaff Hill
- Russell Museum
- Old Customhouse
- Site of New Zealand’s first capital at Russell
Ask us for a copy of our Scavenger Hunt that will take you on a fun and educational Russell Township tour!
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Experience Māori culture and cuisine at its best. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is one of Aotearoa’s most important historic sites. A visit can include a guided tour of the treaty grounds, visits to the two museums, cultural performances and a hāngī dinner
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Enjoy a ride through scenic countryside, The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is unique as it is the only working railway in New Zealand where the trains travel down a State Highway and right through the middle of a busy town. It’s a great family day out whatever the weather, operating between Kawakawa and Taumarere it is approximately a 30 minute drive en route to the holiday park.
Russell Cinema
At Cinema Kororareka enjoy acclaimed and arthouse movies.
Fuller’s GreatSights: Discover Russell Mini Tour
Take in the sights of Russell on an intimate one-hour coach tour combining historical knowledge and local insight. Learn about significant sites like Pompallier House and Christ Church and stand atop Flagstaff Hill for stunning Bay of Islands views.
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.