New Zealand · Bay of Islands
Russell — la primera capital de Nueva Zelanda
The country's oldest port town with colonial architecture, waterfront pubs and a fascinating past.
About Russell — NZ's First Capital
Russell — once known as Kororāreka — was New Zealand's first European settlement and briefly its capital. In the 1830s it was a notorious whaling port nicknamed 'the hellhole of the Pacific'; today it is a quietly elegant village of weatherboard cottages, churches and waterfront cafés.
A short passenger ferry from Paihia delivers you to a pace of life that has barely changed in a century.
While You're There
What to See & Do
- Christ Church — NZ's oldest surviving church (1836), with musket-ball holes still visible
- Pompallier Mission — the country's oldest industrial building
- Flagstaff Hill for sweeping bay views
- The Duke of Marlborough — NZ's first licensed pub
- Russell Museum
How We Can Arrange It
We'll Take Care of the Details
As your booking agent, Mercury Pacific can include Russell — NZ's First Capital in your tailored itinerary. Here's what we'll handle and advise on so you can simply enjoy the experience:
The 15-minute passenger ferry from Paihia runs until late evening
Stay for sunset — the waterfront glows golden
Walk up to Flagstaff Hill at golden hour
Every detail — bookings, timings and transfers — is arranged for you as part of your Mercury Pacific tour.
When to Visit
Summer (December–April) for the warmest weather and longest evenings.
Include Russell — NZ's First Capital in Your TourKeep Exploring
More in Bay of Islands
Hole in the Rock
Cruise through the famous natural rock arch at Cape Brett, often surrounded by playful dolphins.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Walk the lawn where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and learn the story of New Zealand's founding.
Sailing & Dolphin Cruises
Tall-ship sailing, swim-with-dolphins experiences, and overnight cruises through the islands.