Russell, New Zealand, a secret retreat in the Bay of Islands
If you are looking to escape, to disappear for a few days, Russell is the place. New Zealand’s first capital, though you could be forgiven for not believing it, Russell is a small town on the shore of the Bay of Islands that simply oozes charm. History is everywhere, culture is unavoidable, and for utter peace and relaxation, nowhere comes close to Russell. Often referred to as ‘Romantic Russell’, the scenery, pace of life and timeless charm of the town will ensure that your mind will forever drift back to Russell, long after you have left.
Russell’s location is almost as big an attraction as the little town itself. Set on the forgotten shore of the Bay of Islands, a short ferry from the area’s activity hub, Paihia, accommodation in Russell is ideally located for taking advantage of the wonderful walking and cycling along the coastline. The new Twin Coast Cycle Way is a very popular way to discover the coast, passing through ancient forest, hidden towns, and along some of th…