Picture: Russell, the oldest European settlement in New Zealand.
Russell in the Bay of Islands in the north New Zealand was once called the “hell hole of the Pacific”. This was due to the unruly and ungoverned population of whalers, outcasts, smugglers and other filthy elements of society that lived on booze a century and a half ago. Nevertheless, Russell became the first official capital of New Zealand after the treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It claims to be the oldest European settlement in New Zealand. However what makes Russell truly unique are the many colonial buildings, including the oldest church and the oldest pub in New Zealand. And in stark contrast to what the Lonely Planet says, it is a little paradise with many small shops and restaurants, dozens of quaint B&Bs and lodges and a view to match. At the local bakery one gets greeted with “welcome to paradise” and the locals are more than happy to have a little chat while serving food or drinks. Russell also experienced its own touch of show-glitz with Robin Williams and Tom Cruise staying at the secluded Eagle's Next luxury lodge. And yes, stay away from bigger Paihia across the bay, go for Russell! Website: http://www.russellnz.co.nz/
Picture: The quay in Russell in the Bay of Islands.
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