Maori place name: Russell's original name Kororareka means sweet
penguin, korora (blue penguin), reka (sweet or tasty).
Russell was never a planned European settlement. It offered fresh
food, water and a safe anchorage in the bay. By the late 1830's
commerce was well established. Rum and women were top priority for
visiting sailors, who had often spent months at sea. Fights,
abduction, murder and no law enforcement made it a fearful place.
It's reputation strengthened by such names as "The devil's
playground" and "The Hell Hole of the Pacific".
Yet Kororareka(as it was called then) had hopes of becoming New
Zealand's capital. But in 1840, the British made Okiato (then called
Russell) the first capital. A year later, the capital moved to
Auckland. In 1844 official note declared "that Kororareka be
henceforth included within the township of Russell and be officially
designated by the said name of Russell.
The white picket fences, craft galleries and weather board
architecture belies the village's violent history.
Russell opens itself to the relaxed and most tours and activities
that leave from Paihia will pick up in Russell. It also has its own
tours and activities or Luxury Russell Hotels, Luxury Accommodation
Russell.
How to get there: Either take a car ferry at the Opua wharf
operates every 10-15min, or passenger ferry at the Paihia wharf
operates every 20-30min.
Historic sites: Russell has many historic sites to visit. A must
to see is the rammed earth Catholic Mission Building that houses the
1840's working Bookbinding, Printery & Tannery called Pompallier.
Also Christ Church New Zealand's oldest church which still carries
the bullet holes from the Maori Wars. If you want to learn about
Russell's exciting past call into the Russell Museum next to the
Department of Conservation Visitor Centre.
Three different heritage trails give comprehensive coverage,
including Flagstaff Hill. Leaflets at Russell Museum, Luxury Hotels
Russell, Luxury Accommodation Russell
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