After an awesome year, we have will have more fun and hilarity as the best of the boxcar and trolley racers set the pace in a fantastic community event. Great fun and great prizes. Everyone is welcome to enter, more details by email here. email.

Hot rods, classic and custom cars meet at the Duke of Marlborough Tavern (the back pub) for a day devoted to petrol heads and shiny chrome.

For country music lovers, this is nirvana. sunshine street acts from all over the nation play on the streets, all in glorious sunshine of course!

Top 10 Free Things to do in Russell:

1.   Stroll The Strand, which runs along the waterfront. People watch and cheekily peer through the gate at Pompallier Mission.
   

2.   Take the new walking track from Russell to Okiato, about a two hour walk through oyster farms and pristine native forrest.
   

3.   Walk up to majestic Flagstaff Hill and take in the spectacular 360 degree views over the Bay of Islands.
   

4.   Tapeka Beach is an excellent spot to take a picnic, especially at sundown. Tables are available on the grass reserve.
   

5.   Visit the old church.  Stick your finger in the bullet hole - a must have photograph.
   

6.   See the whaling boats in the shed outside the museum & get a photo sitting on the cannon, with the wharf in the background.
   

7.   Talk to a local - allow an hour.
   

8.   Walk to and swim at Long Beach; explore the excellent coast line.
   

9.   Go fishing off the wharf or rocks.
   

10.   Book a tour with Colette at the end of the wharf, it’s Free to book at Russell Information Centre.

Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival

Russell Birdman - Free!

Classic Car Show - Free!

Jazz and Blues Festival

Downhill Derby - Free!

Russell Oyster Festival

Russell Tall Ships

This is the southern hemispheres premiere tall ships race, they come from all over to participate in this outstanding event. A spectacle of sail and a light hearted race of classic vessels organised by the Russell Boat Club, Bay of Islands. Followed by a prize giving and traditional hangi at the Russell Boat Club with bands and dancing till late.

Russell Annual Flower Show - Free!

Held in the town hall each year, a great way to spend the day. Stalls on the village green. This year we have a scarecrow competition for the kids.

Bake your own lemon cake and bread to enter in a competition too.

Coastal Classic

Grab yourself a warm jacket & binoculars then head for Flagstaff Hill to watch as the fleet race into the bay. Division One is going to welcome, for the first time, Kia Kaha to the fleet. Kia Kaha is the TP52 formerly known as Valkyrie, Lexus and Bigamist, and sailed by Russell Coutts and some of the then young breed of Team New Zealand sailors in 2005.

The 30th annual Bay of Islands Underwater Club Snorkel SCUBA Race is on again. This is something for the whole family, its not only great fun but will also raise money for all of our local volunteer services, Russell Radio, Russell Coastguard and the Paihia Fire Service. All these people do a great job of looking after everyone when they are in the Bay of Islands on sea and land, so join us in helping support them in their work.

Bay of Islands Snorkel and Scuba Race

5th January 2014

10, 11, 12 May 2013

19, 20, 21 July 2013

August  2013

Come and see the local loonies take a leap of faith off the end of the wharf. Russell Birdman is a three day event, with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment for the kids. Last year we had an estimated three thousand enjoying a spectacular day of sunshine and light hearted entertainment.

Held every year in Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Haruru Falls. See international and local bands play on the street for free! In Russell it coincides with the classic car show.

September 2013 at Russell Beach.

October 2013

October 2013

August  2013

September 2013

November 2013

Unfortunately the 2012 Russell Oyster Festival was washed out by a torrential down-poor that left the Oysters inedible for the week. Lets hope the 2013 weather Gods are a little kinder this time. The festival takes place on the Russell waterfront. Live music, stalls from the local oyster farmers and local winemakers.... just add sunshine.

State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series

November 2013 

The 10th of November is a perfect date to swim one of the four State Paihia Classic events, with not only favourable conditions and warm waters, but with the event being on the Saturday morning, the rest of the weekend will be yours to explore the stunning Bay of Islands.

Russell Christmas Parade - Free!

Dec TBC 2013

Waitangi Day Celebrations

6th February 2014

Whilst this event is no in Russell, it is our national Day and there is no way should should not go to this at least once in your life. Ferry’s leave Russell direct to Waitangi from early in the morning.

Bay of Islands Walking Weekend

4th, 5th, 6th October 2013

Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is a new walking weekend to the calendar and is based out of Russell in the stunning Bay of Islands. Over two and half days there are 22 walks to choose from, all walks leave from Russell and for the more adventurous among us, take a trip on a boat out to some of our fabulous islands where some of the walks are based.

Hell Hole of the Pacific - Free!

Russell’s townspeople take us back in time to our loose and bawdy past. Street theatre, fights, loose women and the prohibitionists all come together for this memorable event.

TBC  2013 

Kororareka Festival

11 March 2014

2012 Kororareka Festival will run over the whole weekend, kicking off on Saturday 10 March with a full day of fun and activities, stalls & races and Sunday 11 March  March for the raising of the flag on Maiki Hill.

Bay of islands Tours, accommodation, dining, walks, all from Russell. Russell accommodation, bookings for trips in russell NZ. bay of islands accommodation. Dolphins, hole in the rock, fishing charters, sailing in the Bay of Islands. Walking tours, day trips and dolphin swimming.

Russell Accommodation

Russell Booking and Information Centre, Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand 0800 633 255

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