Making memories as nature intended is our forte!

At Russell–Orongo Bay Holiday Park, we’ve removed TVs from all accommodation as part of our commitment to helping guests switch off from screens and reconnect with nature.

Set amongst native bush, our park is alive with birdsong, starry skies and the chance to spot kiwi in the wild just beyond your doorstep. From our saltwater pool to the boardwalk across the bay, there’s so much to see, do and discover so you can make memories as nature intended!

 

 

See Kiwi in the wild!

Our holiday park is one of the few places in New Zealand to see kiwi in the wild. As night falls, you’ll hear their distinctive calls echo through the native bush—and with a rise in recent guest sightings, you might even spot a kiwi in its natural habitat. While our Kiwi Trail winds through the bush at the rear of the park, sightings often happen closer than you’d expect—right around the firepit or along the bushline at the edge of the park. By day you may hear the Kiwi snoring in the ferns or discover holes in the ground where they have been poking around for bugs. Find out more about how you can experience a Kiwi Encounter

Switch off & explore with some of these activities when you stay with us:

  • Swim in the saltwater pool – in the summer you probably won’t go much further than the pool, the kids just love it and parents can kick back and relax on a poolside lounger!
  • Make pizza in the wood fired oven.
  • Swing on one of the many swings in the trees around the park or just chill in a hammock.
  • Toast marshmallows at the fire pit.
  • Discover the secret island (hint it’s on the edge of the property behind The Lodge), feed the eels on the bridge or try to spot the rare Pāteke ducks. In the Summer you can find some juicy blackberries to eat!
  • Net fish in the stream. – nets are available to purchase in the shop
  • Visit the weta cave.
  • Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt – see reception for a copy or download here
  • Colouring sheet from reception and colour in.
  • Observe the Birdlife –  We have up to 55 species of bird at the park. How many can you spot?
  • Play some sport on grassed areas.  
  • Walk our Kiwi Trail by day. It winds through the bush at the rear of the park and is a nice little bush walk
  • Stargaze – Living in the city we often forget just how awe-inspiring and beautiful a sky free from light pollution really is. At the Holiday Park we intentionally keep our lighting low to make it easy for you to experience the spectacular starry night sky. StarWalk is a great app to use to spot the constellations.
  • Play a board game or read a book – we have a range available at reception
  • Play table tennis – the equipment is available to hire from reception
  • Bike or scooter around the park. BYO bike or scooter.
  • Get a sweet treat or ice cream at the shop
  • Build a den in the native bush. We are surrounded by 14 acres of native bush and there are many great spots for building a den.
  • Grab or swap a book, play cards or board games available from reception
  • Take a walk along the Boardwalk through the mangroves. Learn some history of the area or find the Geocache. The boardwalk is location across the road from the park.

Glowworms – Titiwai in Russell

Visit the secret location of glowworms in Russell township. It’s magical and totally free!  We’ve put together this ‘need to know’ guide with all the details.

 

Switch off & Explore Guide

We recommend grabbing a copy of our ‘Switch off & Explore’ guide from reception when you arrive, and discover all the things to do at the park, in Russell and the surrounding region.

We’ve Switched TVs for Kiwis!

  • We chat to Corin Dann on Radio New Zealand Morning Report about this change and seeing kiwi in the wild instead of being on a screen.
  • Hear us talking to Mike Hosking on  NewstalkZB about this change.