It is not hard to fall in love with Russell, a quaint little sea-side town. But it is hard to imagine it as once the 'Hell hole of the Pacific', a reputation acquired through the many sailors and convicts enjoying the alcohol and women. As part of our Bay of Islands famil with Great Sights, we were treated to discover the town with Russell Mini Tours (
http://www.russellminitours.com/index.htm). This company was established in 1975 and our knowledgeable guide knew how to bring the town to life with his explanations, which focused on revealing this part of New Zealand's early European History.
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| Russell Mini Tours' blue and white van |
We were driven and guided to see sights such as the Giant Sundial, Long Beach, Queen's View, Tapeka Point and the Flagstaff on Maiki Hill with stunning 360 views!
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| Beautiful views from Maiki Hill |
The Flagstaff War – also known as Hone Heke's Rebellion, the Northern War and the First Māori War, is a conflict best remembered for the actions of Hone Heke who challenged the authority of the British by cutting down the flagstaff, on numerous occasions and which had been a gift from Hone Heke to James Busby, the first British Resident.
After the tour, we took time to visit the Church, where bullet holes can still be witnessed in its facade after the battle of the 11th of March 1845.
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| Christ Church, Russell town centre |
After an allegedly 'world-famous' seafood chowder for lunch at Sally's restaurant, it was time to board our cruise to see the magnificent Hole in the Rock in Cape Brett. On the way, we were greeted by playful dolphins who put on quite a show for us!
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| Bottlenose dolphin |
Hole in the Rock, a barren rock also known as Piercy Island, and was named so by Captain Cook. The 60-foot (18 m) hole at sea level was created over centuries by wind and waves making it one of the most naturally beautiful sites in New Zealand. It is home to gannets and other bird life. Being a popular tourist destination, if the waters are calm and the tide is right the boats will go right through the hole. We were not fortunate enough to do so, but photo opportunities did not go amiss.
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| Hole in the Rock |
What a wonderful day! Upon our return to Paihia, we boarded our Intercity coach Auckland bound, our heads full of Great Sights ;-) A big thank you goes to Amy for the organisation of this trip.
