The Russell area is renowned for its’ beautiful beaches, some sandy and excellent for swimming, while others are more secluded, picturesque an ideal for a stroll and an explore.
Two minutes walk from our front door is Tapeka Point Beach which is sheltered, sandy, and has excellent swimming in all tides. There is also a pontoon for the youngsters to swim out to, sunbathe and practise their diving skills.
Less than 5 minutes drive away is Long Beach, a beautiful, north facing and sandy piece of paradise. Most of the year you can buy a hot drink from the coffee cart there, otherwise it’s perfect for walking, sunbathing, boogie boarding (when there is a northerly swell) and generally relaxing by the beach.
And of course we mustn’t forget Russell itself. This sheltered bay is the site of the first European settlement in New Zealand. It was originally the whaling port of Kokorareka and was known as ‘The Hell Hole of the Pacific’. These days it is much more genteel with a wonderful selection of waterfront eateries, coffee shops etc. You will often see young children jumping off the wharf, and during our annual bird-man festival, plenty of not-so-young children attempting the same.
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