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.

Beaches

The Russell Peninsula has a number of beautiful little coves, bays and beaches, from calm, family-friendly spots to more rugged beaches facing the open Pacific.

Oneroa (Long) Beach – One of the area’s most popular beaches, about 3 km from the Park.
Pipiroa Bay – A sheltered, tidal beach about 3 km from the Park. Its shallow waters make it a popular choice for families with toddlers and young children. It’s also the starting point for the walkway into Russell Village.
Tapeka Beach – A beautiful sandy beach close to Russell, ideal for swimming and soaking up the sunshine.
Oke Bay – A little further afield and well worth the drive. This secluded beach is around 40 minutes from the Park and is a beautiful spot to explore or watch the sunset.
Orongo Bay – Right across the road from the Park, Orongo Bay is fringed by mangroves and has a lovely boardwalk to explore. It’s not a swimming beach, but it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the coastal environment.

And if you don’t feel like heading to the beach, the Park has its own saltwater swimming pool – perfect for cooling off, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine without leaving the Park.

Surf Beach

Elliot Bay – Head east to this beautiful, more exposed beach on the Pacific coast. It’s a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding when conditions are right. Check the latest surf conditions below before you go. Elliot Bay is around 30 minutes from Russell.

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:

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.