Russell: History, Nature and Discoveries

Russell brings together significant sites in New Zealand’s history and a landscape to explore on tracks near the town. Christ Church and Pompallier tell of different chapters of the past; at Te Maiki/Flagstaff Hill, bushland and expansive views lead in another direction. You can shape your trip to Russell around cultural discoveries, nature experiences or a mix of both.

Historical traces in Russell

Christ Church was built in 1835 and is New Zealand’s oldest surviving church. Its history is closely tied to the 1845 battle: during the fighting between British troops and Māori warriors under Kawiti and Hone Heke, the church became the focus of the conflict and was struck by several bullets. The churchyard also recalls that time. Men from the Hazard who died in the battle are buried there, as are Tamati Waka Nene and Hannah King.

Pompallier reveals another chapter of history. The building was constructed in 1841–1842 and is one of New Zealand’s earliest surviving French colonial buildings. Christ Church and Pompallier thus represent different architectural and historical connections. If you are interested in history, you can include these places as distinct points of interest in your travel plans without conflating their different backgrounds.

Clendon Cottage is also part of the Pompallier House Historic Reserve. Rewa and James Reddy Clendon are associated with the cottage, as are his wives Sarah and Jane. Other people connected with it include Clendon’s son-in-law, Rev. Frank Gould, and his wife, Fanny. The various names give the site a personal historical context that extends beyond the buildings themselves.

The Russell Museum collection is also considered important for promoting New Zealand culture. Russell, then known as Kororāreka, stood at the threshold of the earliest connections between Māori and Pākehā. For culturally minded travellers, this perspective on encounters and relationships adds another way of exploring the town’s history alongside its architectural landmarks.

Flagstaff Hill: Track, Bushland and Views

Te Maiki/Flagstaff Hill is near Russell, about 1 km north of the town. The hill was the catalyst for the Northern War, which contributed to the beginning of the New Zealand Land Wars. Today, it is also a destination for taking in the landscape: the tracks of the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track lead to the summit of Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki) and to 360-degree views across the Bay of Islands. The panoramas take in the surrounding bays and hills, including the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The Flagstaff Hill Loop Track begins at the intersection of Wellington Street and Kent Street, near the boat ramp on The Strand. Along the way, it passes through regenerating kanuka and manuka scrub, descends to the Waipara/Watering Bay Stream and crosses a wetland. The track thus connects different landscape features: bushland, stream and wetland are characteristic stops along the route, while the summit offers expansive views across the Bay of Islands.

The bushland at Te Maiki/Flagstaff Hill is home to kiwi and weka, though the shy birds often remain hidden from visitors. With a little luck, you may encounter the endangered North Island weka along the way. The species was successfully reintroduced to the Russell Peninsula by the Russell Landcare Trust. If you are travelling with a dog, please also note: dogs are not allowed at Te Maiki/Flagstaff Hill to protect kiwi.

Russell is therefore suited to a trip where historic sites and a walk in the landscape offer different points of focus. When choosing your holiday home, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on the town’s history or on the track at nearby Flagstaff Hill.

More location pages: Te Tii, Taipa-Mangonui, Kerikeri, Opononi, Waipapakauri, Ahipara, Waimate North, Opua.

For the higher-level travel overview: Far North District.