Tapeka Point

A grassy track gives access to views from a pa site over the Bay of Islands from Du Fresne Place and carpark. Located just two minutes from historic Russell, Tapeka Point is the perfect base for exploring and enjoying the Bay of Islands by land or water. There is a beautiful white sandy beach safe for swimming and a second rocky beach for fishing and diving. A boat-ramp, deep-water boat mooring, swimming pontoon, ski-lane, and grassy reserve make it an idyllic location for a relaxing or active break.
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Russell Forest Walks

The track is marked and goes straight up the hill through fern and open bush and meets up with the forestry road that runs to Papakauri. As you walk along the Ngaiotonga Saddle you will reach the Te Ranga Trig which provides an amazing view of the Bay of Islands and the Whangaruru Harbour. The track is well marked and goes through fern and open bush and ends up on the Russell Forest Road.Read More
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Moturua Island Track

This track skirts Moturua Island, and you can join the track at any of the main beaches. You will walk through grassed open areas and enjoy the cooling reprieve of passing underneath a tree canopy. Crossing ridges, the track descends to four, very different beaches, ranging from soft sand to pebble. Along the track you may hear North Island Robin or see New Zealand Dotterel on the beaches, so please remain on the track at all times. Getting there Moturua Island Scenic Reserve is situated in the central Bay of Islands. This loop track can be accessed from four of the main bays situated around the 136 ha island. The four main bays, Otupoho, Waipao, Mangahawea and Waiwhapuku all offer safe anchorage for visitors.
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Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track

The well marked island track starts at the main beach and climbs up the pa situated in the centre of the island. At the summit of the pa, you are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding Bay of Islands. Getting there Once out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia, distinguished by its two glorious lagoons - the most photographed scene in the Bay. Motuarohia Scenic Reserve lies in the inner Bay of Islands on the East Coast of Northland. The Island has safe anchorage.
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Flagstaff Hill

Flagstaff or Maiki Hill is an important Bay of Islands landmark. The British flew the Union Jack from the staff. Local dissension among the Maori lead Hone Heke and his allies to chop it down as an act of defiance. Despite reinstatement and military protection, it was felled four times before the war in the north was sparked. It was not to end until the battle at Ruapekapeka Pa. Plan and prepare No dogs or fires are allowed in the Reserve - this is kiwi habitat. Russell Mini Tours takes a coach to the site.
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Cape Brett Track

Cape Brett Track traverses through native and regenerating bush. The track runs along the ridge through Maori-owned land before reaching conservation land at Deep Water Cove - Manawahuna for the last 6 km of the track. You can take a side-track (1 hr return) down to Deep Water Cove, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel. From the forested ridges, you can take in spectacular coastal scenery. Towards the Cape, walking alongside the dramatic cliff-face, you can see abundant fish and bird life below - often dolphins and seals will come close to shore.Read More