Russell, Bay of Islands, is a favourite holiday destination for luxury vacations

Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and lies across the Bay from Waitangi where the famous treaty was signed with the Maoris in the 18th Century. Nowadays Russell remains a peaceful waterfront village, approached either by a five-minute car ferry from Opua or the passenger ferry from Paihia. Russell is sub-tropical with summer temperatures into the 30°C, winter temperatures only fall to around 9°C or 10°C.
The Bay of Islands has some of the best game fishing, sailing and diving in the world. Several famous golf courses are situated nearby. There are a number of excellent restaurants in the town itself and others within easy reach of Russell.