Duration

1 hour
Category

TOUR
Location

Russell
Operating Season

Year round
Price

$40

Adult

$20

Child

Russell Mini Tour

Step back in time on an intimate one-hour coach tour through Russell, where historical knowledge meets local insight around every corner.

Long before it was Russell, this was Kororāreka, New Zealand's very first town and sea port. Sheltered by the Bay of Islands' safe anchorage, it grew into a notoriously lawless trading centre by the 1830s, a melting pot of whalers, seafarers and merchants rubbing shoulders with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts fresh off the boat from Australia.

Your coach carries you through the streets and out to the places that shaped this history. Marvel at Christ Church, the olderst church in New Zealand, its walls still bearing the bullet holes from the town's turbulent past. Wander past historic Pompallier House, once home to Bishop Pompallier's Catholic Mission and the country's oldest industrial building, and raise a glass at the nation's oldest licensed pub. Along the way, discover the story behind the world's second oldest game fishing club, the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club, immortalised by American author Zane Grey.

Your guide's blend of deep historical knowledge and genuine local insight brings every stop to life, taking you to places you simply can't reach on foot.

Highlights:

Christ Church, New Zealand's oldest, with bullet holes still in its walls
Duke of Marlborough Hotel, New Zealand's oldest licensed pub
Oneroa (Long Beach), with sweeping bay views
Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki), overlooking Russell and the Bay of Islands
Engaging driver commentary from a local expert

RUSSELL MINI TOUR

Price

Adult

16+ years

$40

Child

5-15 years | Under 5 years free

$20

Family Pass

2 Adults & 2 Children

$100

View Details

Departing

Daily

Times

Departs Russell at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

Duration

1 HR

Book Now

What to expect

Duration: 1 hour

Depart Russell

Set off with your guide for an hour that traces the roots of New Zealand's very first town.

Christ Church

Marvel at New Zealand's oldest church, its walls still bearing bullet holes from the town's turbulent history.

Pompallier House

Wander past the former home of Bishop Pompallier's Catholic Mission, the country's oldest industrial building.

Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Raise a glass at New Zealand's oldest licensed pub, right on the Russell waterfront.

Oneroa (Long Beach) & Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki)

Take in sweeping views from Long Beach and Flagstaff Hill, with the stories behind them along the way.

Return to Russell

Family Days in the Bay

One child travels free with every Family Pass. Kids under 5 always travel free across selected Fullers ferries and experiences.
Read more

RUSSELL MINI TOUR

Price

Adult

16+ years

$40

Child

5-15 years | Under 5 years free

$20

Family Pass

2 Adults & 2 Children

$100

View Details

Departing

Daily

Times

Departs Russell at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

Duration

1 HR

Book Now

What's included:

One-hour guided coach tour

Visit to Russell's historic sites

Christ Church, Pompallier House, Duke of Marlborough Hotel and more

Local expert commentary

Historical knowledge and local insight throughout

Access to areas not easily covered on foot

Why choose Fullers Bay of Islands?

Licensed to view Marine Mammals

One of only two operators licensed to view marine mammals in the Bay of Islands
Travellers Choice 2024

Consistently delivering quality experiences with a 4.5/5 rating from over 2.4k reviews
Flexible Booking Conditions

No penalty for changes or cancellations prior to 24 hours of departure
Celebrating 125 years in the Bay

Trusted local operator with experienced and knowledgeable crew

FAQs

What times does the tour depart?

The tour departs Russell daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Why take a coach tour instead of exploring on foot?

Your coach takes you to parts of Russell that can't easily be reached on foot, with an engaging local guide bringing the town's history to life along the way.
Is the Russell Mini Tour suitable for families?

Yes. Children under 5 travel free, and a Family Pass covering 2 adults and 2 children is available.
Does the tour run all year?

Yes, the Russell Mini Tour operates daily, year-round.

Bay of Islands Info

Wildlife Guide

About Fullers Bay of Islands

Vessels and Coaches

Careers

Russell Mini Tour

Highlights:

View Details

What to expect

Family Days in the Bay

View Details

What's included:

Why choose Fullers Bay of Islands?

Licensed to view Marine Mammals

Travellers Choice 2024

Flexible Booking Conditions

Celebrating 125 years in the Bay

FAQs

What times does the tour depart?

Why take a coach tour instead of exploring on foot?

Is the Russell Mini Tour suitable for families?

Does the tour run all year?

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