Russell

Step back into history with Great North Tours in the charming seaside village of Russell, the first permanent European settlement and the original capital of New Zealand. Once known as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific" during its rowdy 19th-century whaling days, this picturesque township is now a peaceful sanctuary of white-picket fences, historic colonial architecture, and sun-drenched waterfront cafes. You can visit Christ Church, the country’s oldest surviving church—complete with musket ball holes from the 1845 Northern War—or enjoy a meal at the legendary Duke of Marlborough, which holds the first liquor license ever issued in New Zealand. Whether you arrive via the scenic car ferry or the passenger launch from Paihia, Russell offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into the nation’s pioneering past, set against the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Islands.