Events in Russell
April 2013
Saturday 27 April 2013
Cape Brett Challenge
This 37km run starts in and passes through Whangamumu & Te Toroa Bay before joining the Cape Brett track. Although the race is all on formed track, this run represents a significant challenge, with over 2000 vertical metres of climbing, some of it very steep. It is usually limited to 100 runners who will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Runners must be capable of completing the run in less than 7½ hours. A time cutoff applies. Top runners are expected to take 4½ hours (for guidance a 4 hour Coast to Coast runner would expect to take around 6 hours). Practice runs are permissible but runners will need to pay track fees to DOC or a track agent
http://www.capebrettchallenge.com/
May 2013
Friday 10th – Saturday 12th May 2013
Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand. Each year the festival features more than 45 acts from New Zealand, Nashville and Australia performing at multiple venues. Street music and line dancing are also popular features.
http://www.country-rock.co.nz/
June 2013
Sunday 9th – Saturday 15th June 2013
Bay of Islands International Yellowtail Kingfish Tournament
Come and battle a monster kingfish. Anglers from all over the world invade Russell to chase world record sized Yellowtail Kingfish. Charter boats are available, but it pays to book early.
July 2013
Friday 19th – Sunday 21st July 2013
Russell Birdman Festival
Find a spot along the waterfront and watch the wacky, zany, cleverly crafted, hilarious team or individual human powered flying machines launch off Russell wharf to gain the longest distance. Other activities associated with the festival include a beach dig for kids under 10, stalls. Kayak races, spaghetti eating competition, & BBQ cook off, & bands & dancing late into the night.
www.russellbirdman.co.nz
August 2013
Friday 9th – Sunday 10th August 2013
Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival
August is when the Bay of comes alive with the sounds of smooth jazz and sultry blues. The festival includes Three days of music, over 150 hours of quality jazz and blues, five fantastic venues in Paihia, Haruru Falls and Russell.
http://www.jazz-blues.co.nz/home
Classic Car Show
Hot rods, classic and custom cars meet at the Duke of Marlborough Tavern for a day devoted to a lot of hard work from car enthusiasts.
September 2013
Russell to Paihia Snorkel Scuba Race
The 30th annual Bay of Islands Underwater Club Snorkel SCUBA Race is on again. This is something for the whole family, its not only great fun but will also raise money for all of our local volunteer services, Russell Radio, Russell Coastguard and the Paihia Fire Service. All these people do a great job of looking after everyone when they are in the Bay of Islands on sea and land, so join us in helping support them in their work.
October 2013
Friday 4th – Sunday 6th October 2013
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is a new walking weekend to the calendar and is based out of Russell in the stunning Bay of Islands. Over two and half days there are 22 walks to choose from, all walks leave from Russell and for the more adventurous among us, take a trip on a boat out to some of our fabulous islands where some of the walks are based.
http://www.boiwalkingweekend.co.nz/BOI_walking_weekend.html
Friday 25th –Monday 28th October 2013
Labour Weekend Coastal Classic Regatta
Every year the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic gets better and better. The race itself doesn’t change– it starts in Auckland and finishes in Russell and the weather can spice things up! The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club does a great job making the pre- and after race events memorable.
Russell Annual Flower Show
Held in the town hall each year, a great way to spend the day. Stalls on the village green, fun competitions for the kids.
November 2013
State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series
The 10th of November is a perfect date to swim one of the four State Paihia Classic events, with not only favourable conditions and warm waters, but with the event being on the Saturday morning, the rest of the weekend will be yours to explore the stunning Bay of Islands.
http://www.oceanswim.co.nz/event-info/
Down Hill Derby
Great fun,great prizes and hilarity as the best of the boxcar and trolley racers set the pace in a fantastic community event. Everyone is welcome to enter.
Hell Hole of the Pacific
Russell’s townspeople take us back in time to our loose and bawdy past. Street theatre, fights, loose women and the prohibitionists all come together for this memorable event.
December 2013
Russell Christmas Parade TBC
A great local community event for all ages.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza (31 December 2013)
Launched off a barge in the middle of the bay between Russell & Paihia … see in the new year in with a bang!
January 2014
Bay of Islands Tall Ships Race
The Tall Ship’s Race in the Bay of Islands is a great spectacle & lots of fun. You can join the fun on board one of the traditional tall ships such as the R. Tucker Thompson. The race starts at midday from Russell Wharf. After the event, you can go along to the hangi (traditional Maori meal) and dance at Russell Boat Club – a fantastic day out and great evening too!
Bay of Islands Sailing Week
Sailing Week is an event run by local sailing enthusiasts. During the actual race week there can be up to sixty people giving up their time and energy resulting in an efficiently run regatta, like a well oiled clock. The Bay of Islands Sailing Week gets bigger & better every year.
March 2014
Kororareka Festival
Commemoration of the Battle of Kororareka: The Kororareka Festival is run in conjunction with the Commemoration of the Battle of Kororareka. The day usually starts with the Russell School Garage sale, stalls open at 9am. The Dog Show is at 9.30am and the Inaugural Hone Heke Run starts at 10.30am. Waka Ama kicks off at 11am . There is a host of entertainment thru’ out the day. The Stage this is on the Water so you can enjoy your day under the pohutukawa on the Russell Waterfront.
March 2014
BDO Tour of Northland Bike Race
2014 will be the 14th edition of this popular event in the Russell calendar. All abilities are welcome to participate – elite riders, competitive masters, weekend warriors, cycling tourists, and social or corporate groups – this is a fun few days with a great bunch.
