Your Bay of Islands Adventure Starts Here!
Discover Kororāreka Russell’s captivating history with our classic Russell Mini Tour, embark on unforgettable Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) day trips, or book our private charter services.
Your Local Guides to an Unforgettable Experience
Welcome to Russell Mini Tours! We’re a team of passionate locals who love sharing the stories and beauty of the Bay of Islands. Forget dry history lessons – our tours are fun, engaging, and packed with the kind of insider knowledge you won’t find in a guidebook.
Let us show you the real Te Tai Tokerau / Northland!
Choose Your Adventure: Our Guided Tours
Whether you have an hour or a full day, we have a tour perfect for you. Explore our range of guided experiences setting off from historic Kororāreka Russell. For some of our tours, we can pick you up from Paihia, too!
Russell Mini Tours
1 hour | $40 Adult
Discover the highlights and hidden stories of historic Kororāreka Russell on our classic, must-do tour.
First Contacts Tour
3 Hours | $108 Adult, Cruise Ships and Groups Only
An in-depth journey covering Waitangi, Okiato, and Russell’s most significant historic sites, including entry to local attractions.
Ngāwhā Hot Springs
5 Hours | $40 Locals, $59 Visitors
Relax and rejuvenate in the healing mineral waters of Ngāwhā Springs on this blissful half-day trip leaving from Kororāreka Russell at 8:30am or Paihia at 9am.
Manea – Footprints of Kupe
8 Hours | $149 adult (includes $75 Manea Entry)
Journey to the Hokianga for an immersive cultural encounter at Manea. Experience the story of Kupe, one of our great Navigators, arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand, through guided storytelling and a powerful 4D performance.
The Hokianga Experience
10 Hours | $179 Adult (includes $75 Manea Entry)
The ultimate Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) day out, combining the Manea experience with a guided visit to Aotearoa’s largest and oldest Kauri trees of the Waipoua Forest (drinks and meals at own cost).
Russell Mini Tour Extension
1.5 Hours | $55 Adult
Our classic tour with more time for photos and deeper exploration at key scenic lookouts like Te Maiki (Flagstaff Hill), Oneroa (Long Beach), and Tapeka.
Private Hire & Transport Services
Need to get your group from A to B? We offer reliable and friendly charter services throughout the Bay of Islands.
Wedding and Event Charters
Ensure your guests arrive in comfort and style. We offer private coach and minivan hire for weddings and events, accommodating groups of 9, 18, or 21 people to and from your venue.
Airport Transfers
Start and end your Bay of Islands holiday with ease. We provide private, pre-booked transfers for you and your luggage to and from both Kerikeri (BOI) and Whangarei (WRE) airports.
Project Island Song
Project Island Song is a wildlife sanctuary in the Bay of Islands. It is a collaboration between ngā Hāpu o Te Rawhiti, Ngāti Kuta and Patukeha, and the Guardians of the Bay of Islands community group. Together, the vision is to protect, sustain and help restore the natural wildlife of the Ipipiri archipelago, to enable this special place and people to thrive now and for future generations.
Russell Mini Tours is committed to supporting the vital work of Project Island Song – enabling the islands and its precious wildlife to flourish for future generations to enjoy.
You can help, too! For more information about Project Island Song or to make a donation or become a member please visit www.projectislandsong.co.nz.