Across the Bay to Russell

We planned a couple of days sunning ourselves on the beach in Paihia, but there were a couple of problems with this plan: firstly, the weather forecast was for thick cloud and occasional rain, and secondly, lounging on the beach is something that they just don’t do here.

Paihia has nice beaches, but no sun loungers, umbrellas or sun-seekers. The shops, don’t sell beach towels, buckets, spades or rubber rings.

It is Sunday today, and one other serious difference from back home - not one restaurant in the town has Sunday roast on the menu.

So, we changed our plans and took the ferry across the bay to the town of Russell.

An island in the Bay of Islands

Russell is small but perfectly formed. The town is strung out around a small bay - you can walk it from end to end in ten minutes, every building is beautiful and there are plenty of lovely coffee shops and restaurants.

The jetty at Russell

The Main Street in Russell

Like every single settlement in NZ, however small, Russell has its own museum…