2025 Russell Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

| Embark on a dreamlike encounter with dolphins. Paihia, New Zealand | A Dreamlike Encounter with Dolphins 🐬 Paihia, a small town in the North Island of New Zealand, is like a blue dream hidden on Earth, a perfect sanctuary for encountering dolphins. When you step into these crystal-clear waters, you'll embark on a wondrous adventure, dancing with these adorable creatures, and feeling nature's gentle gifts every second. 🌊Bay of Islands: The Starting Point of a Dream Journey The Bay of Islands is where all good stories begin. The bay's azure waters sparkle like a giant sapphire, so clear that you can see fish darting through them. Colorful houses dot the shore, complementing the blue sky and white clouds, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photos. Stroll along the coastal path, the gentle sea breeze caressing your face, carrying the unique salty scent of the ocean, sweeping away all your worries. As you board the boat and sail away from the harbor, your heart will beat faster, filled with anticipation for your first encounter with dolphins. 🐬Dancing with Dolphins: An Unforgettable Experience Dolphin watching in Paihia is undoubtedly the highlight of this trip! As the boat heads out to the open sea, experienced crew members will use their expertise to track dolphins. Once dolphins are spotted, the whole boat comes alive! These agile blue spirits leap and frolic among the waves, sometimes soaring high above the surface, their bodies graceful and streamlined, creating beautiful arcs; sometimes diving quickly into the water, leaving behind a trail of glistening spray. They will also curiously approach the boat, playing around it, as if warmly welcoming visitors from afar. If you're brave enough to jump into the water, you can have a close encounter with the dolphins. In the clear water, watching their bright eyes and smooth bodies, feeling them swimming freely around you, the awe and emotion are beyond words, as if time stands still for this moment. 🐋Bay of Islands: A Natural Paradise for Dolphins The Bay of Islands, where Paihia is located, is made up of 144 islands scattered like pearls, a natural paradise for dolphins. The rich marine ecosystem provides them with abundant food, while the warm waters and complex bay terrain create a safe and comfortable habitat. Cruising through the Bay of Islands, you'll see dolphins in small groups, some chasing and playing in the shallows, others gracefully swimming in the deeper waters. Besides dolphins, if you're lucky, you might encounter other marine life, such as adorable seals basking lazily on the rocks, or giant whales occasionally surfacing to spout high columns of water. Every surprising discovery adds to the journey's charm. 🌟Cape Brett Lighthouse: Romance and Surprise Cape Brett Lighthouse stands at the northernmost tip of the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand's most famous lighthouses and a great spot for dolphin watching. The scenic walk up to the lighthouse is picturesque, with waves crashing against the coastal rocks, creating layers of white foam. Standing at the lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast sea, with groups of dolphins appearing and disappearing on the sparkling surface. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow on the sea, turning the whole world golden, and the dolphins are also edged with gold, creating a dreamlike beauty. A dolphin tour in Paihia is a natural adventure filled with surprise and emotion. Here, you can not only witness the adorable dolphins but also deeply feel the magic and beauty of nature.

#getgoing2025 Bay of Islands This picturesque region in Northland is a maritime playground with 144 islands, secluded bays, and abundant marine life. Take a boat cruise to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures, or explore the historic towns of Russell and Paihia. The Bay of Islands is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for sailing, kayaking, fishing, and diving.

#newzealandtrip In addition to the natural and historical experiences, the Bay of Islands offers a wide range of luxury accommodations, including boutique lodges, waterfront resorts, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. The region is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with local galleries and artisan shops offering handmade crafts and works inspired by the area’s natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in water activities, cultural history, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the natural surroundings, the Bay of Islands offers something for every traveler. Its combination of scenic beauty, cultural significance, and marine wildlife makes it one of New

#newzealandtrip The Bay of Islands, located in the Northland region of New Zealand, is one of the country’s most sought-after destinations, offering a captivating combination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant marine life. With over 144 islands to explore, this subtropical paradise is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, beach lovers, and those seeking a peaceful getaway. The bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for water activities such as sailing, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The protected coves and sheltered bays provide calm waters perfect for leisurely boat rides and yacht cruises, offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands and lush landscapes. Visitors can explore the famous Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island, where boats navigate through the natural rock arch, a truly awe-inspiring experience. Those with a love for marine life will find the Bay of Islands to be an ideal destination, as it is home to an abundant array of sea creatures, including dolphins, orcas, whales, and seabirds. Dolphin watching cruises are especially popular, with several tour operators offering opportunities for travelers to get up close to these playful creatures.

#newzealandtrip The Bay of Islands is a subtropical paradise, ideal for water lovers and history buffs alike. With over 140 islands, this region offers endless opportunities for sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. Highlights include the Hole in the Rock formation and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. The serene beaches and crystal-clear waters provide a tranquil escape, while the charming towns of Paihia and Russell add a touch of local culture. A visit here captures the beauty and spirit of New Zealand's coastal life, making it a popular destination for any #NewZealandTrip.

Russell it’s an amazing quiet port and place !

#Overseas travel #New Zealand #New Zealand travel #New Zealand North Island #Capital travel #Ferry Russell is the first capital of New Zealand. It is also the settlement of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand in the past, and it is one of the first cities where Europeans who first arrived in New Zealand settled. It is accessible by land, and you can also take a ferry from a city called Paihia.⛴️ As it has a long history, it is not a developed city, but it is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of a small, quiet country town. It is a town where the oldest church in New Zealand, Christchurch, the oldest printing company, and the oldest hotel exist. In particular, bullet marks from the Maori War, a war between the Maori and Europeans, can be seen on several buildings and in Christchurch.

Russell is a historic town and was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand. The town of Russell is located on a peninsula that offers stunning views of the Bay of Islands, and there are many things to see and do in the area. Some popular activities include visiting historical sites such as the Christ Church and Pompallier Mission, taking a boat tour of the Bay of Islands, and exploring the local beaches and hiking trails. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and bars in Russell where you can enjoy the local cuisine and relax with a drink. Fish and Chips in any place won't go wrong in this are! PS. Must visit Third Wheel Cafe for their coffee and dates scone!