GETTING THERE > By Sea

BY SEA

The Bay of Islands, with its beautiful coves and anchorages is within easy access from Russell and for centuries, Russell Kororareka has been a safe haven for people arriving by sea. Its deep-water anchorage in Kororareka Bay and sheltered bay round the corner at Matauwhi Bay provides an excellent spot for visitors and their boats.

Many visitors use Russell Kororareka as their home base as supermarkets, medical centre, pharmacy, hardware store (not to mention cafes and restaurants) are all within easy walk. In Matauwhi Bay, the Russell Boating Club provides a friendly welcome and taking out a summer membership is well worthwhile in order to use their facilities.

Art from Russell Primary School Russell Radio, a local volunteer radio station, provides excellent an excellent service for visiting boats, including logging trip reports, interpreting the weather reports and providing assistance for boats (whether it be for broken freezer parts, location of the nearest fuel pumps or booking hair appointments). They are entirely funded through membership fees of $50 per annum or donations, so feel free to pop in and say thanks or become a member if they have helped you out - they are at 8 Church Street. Russell Radio operates on Channel 63 from 0800 to 2000 daily, 365 days a year and broadcase local weather reports at 0800, 0930, 1330 and 1750. The Northland Coastguard Service provides a continuous weather report on channel 21.

International arrivals

The Bay of Islands' port of Opua is the international port of entry for the Northland region and cruising yachts should report to New Zealand Customs for customs clearance as well as Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries inspection using Channel 16 on the VHF radio. Normal paperwork (valid passport and visa) will be required.