The Classic Russell Mini Tour
Step back in time and discover the captivating story of Kororāreka Russell, New Zealand’s most historic town. Our classic 1-hour mini tour is the perfect introduction to the sights, stories, and secrets of this remarkable place. Join our passionate local guides for a fun and unforgettable journey into the heart of the Bay of Islands.
We now also offer an extended 1.5 hour tour for groups with more time for photo stops – contact us for more details.
Our tours depart from the Russell Wharf, located at the end of Cass Street in the heart of Russell. Look for our distinctive tour bus and friendly guide!
Duration: 1 Hour
Departs From: Russell Wharf, Cass Street
Price: $40 Adult | $20 Child (5-14) | $100 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | Under 5s FREE
Schedule: Daily, Year-Round.
- Summer (Oct-Apr): 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
- Winter (May-Sept): 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm
Special Combo: Bay Cruise & Historic Russell Tour!
Make the most of your time in the stunning Bay of Islands! We’ve partnered with the operators of the iconic Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise to offer you a fantastic combo deal where you can experience the best of the Bay by sea and land – and save!
Tour Highlights: What You’ll Discover
Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki):
Offering stunning panoramic views and steeped in history.
Tapeka Point:
Journey out to Tapeka Point for coastal vistas on the other side of Maiki hill. Head down the road to a sandy beach in the shadow of a craggy headland. A pā once stood at the top of the hill.
Christ Church:
NZ’s oldest surviving church – look closely for the musket ball holes!
Pompallier House:
A beautifully preserved Catholic Mission building, NZ’s oldest existing industrial building.
The Duke of Marlborough:
The country’s first pub to get a New Zealand liquor licence in 1840.
Oneroa (Long Beach):
Take in the beauty of Oneroa, a gorgeous long sandy beach on the other side of the peninsula from Russell.
Do. This. Tour.
Mar 2025 • Solo
This was easily my favourite part of my visit to the Bay of Islands. Now, you may wonder, how could a one hour mini tour of Russell be the best part of a visit to one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand? Well I’ll tell you, folks: Shane. An absolute treasure of a human being. Shane provides an incredibly informative and delightful hour long overview of the history of the town and area. He is clearly very knowledgable, and although there is a lot of information to take in, he presents it in a fun, memorable, and accessible way. What stood out to me the most, however, is his obvious love and commitment to his community. It was truly a beautiful thing to see. His enthusiasm for Kororareka Russell, its history, and its inhabitants is infectious. A must do if you’re visiting the area. Thank you Shane for a wonderful tour!
Why Choose Russell Mini Tours?
Truly Local Guides
This isn’t just a drive-by commentary. Our guides are passionate storytellers who live and breathe this town’s history. They share the gripping stories, hidden secrets, and local insights that you won’t find in guidebooks, bringing Russell’s vibrant history and culture to life right before your eyes.
See Russell’s Key Highlights in Just One Hour!
Short on time but eager to see it all? We’ve got you covered! Our cleverly designed route ensures you experience the very best of Kororāreka Russell, visiting key historical sites and breathtaking viewpoints that are often tricky to reach on foot.
Comfort & Convenience
Relax in our comfortable, air-conditioned mini-coaches as we explore Kororāreka Russell’s charming streets and take you effortlessly to stunning viewpoints and beaches that are difficult to reach on foot.
Don’t miss out on this essential Russell experience!
Ready for your next adventure?
Discover everything Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) has to offer. See our full range of guided tours and find your perfect day out in the Bay of Islands.