Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.pompallier.co.nz
;
The Strand; tours adult/child $10/free; 10am-4pm)
Built in 1842 to house the
Catholic mission's printing press, this rammed-earth building is the mission's last remain-
ing building in the western Pacific. A staggering 40,000 books were printed here in Maori.
In the 1870s it was converted into a private home, but it is now restored to its original
state, complete with tannery and printing workshop.
Christ Church
(Church St)
English naturalist Charles Darwin made a donation towards the cost of building
the country's oldest church (1836). The graveyard's biggest memorial commemorates
Tamati Waka Nene, a powerful Ngapuhi chief from the Hokianga who sided against Hone
Heke in the Northland War. The church's exterior has musket and cannonball holes dating
from the 1845 battle.
CHURCH
Maiki
(Flagstaff Rd)
Overlooking Russell, this is the hill where Hone Heke chopped down the flag-
pole four times. You can drive up but the view justifies a climb. Take the track west from
the boat ramp along the beach at low tide, or head up Wellington St.
HILL
Tapeka Point
North of Russell, on the other side of Maiki hill, Tapeka Rd heads down to a sandy beach
in the shadow of a craggy headland. A
pa
once stood at the top of the hill. Follow the
pathway for views stretching to the far northern reaches of the Bay of Islands.
LOOKOUT, BEACH
Long Beach
(Long Beach Rd)
About 1.5km behind Russell (an easy walk or cycle) is this placid, child-
friendly beach. Turn left (facing the sea) to visit Donkey Bay, a small cove that is an unof-
ficial nudist beach.
BEACH
Russell Museum
(
www.russellmuseum.org.nz
;
2 York St; adult/child $7.50/2; 10am-4pm)
This small, modern museum
has a well-presented Maori section, a large 1:5-scale model of Captain Cook's
Endeavour
,
and a 10-minute video on the town's history.
MUSEUM
Haratu
CULTURAL BUILDING
