Russell Museum

Russell – originally Kororareka – developed from a small Maori village into a shore station for visiting whalers and traders.

When the capital was established in Auckland in 1841, the town declined but over the past 100 years has become the centre of a busy tourist industry focussed on fishing, sightseeing, history and heritage.

The museum displays items that illustrate the town’s colourful history: Maori taonga, whaling and gamefishing artefacts, a one fifth scale model of Cook’s Endeavour. A 12 minute video describes the history of the town. The museum archives hold photos, books and some local and family records.

The museum shop specialises in Northland books and a wide range of gift items.
Ipipiri
Part of a carved frame
to a map of the Bay of Islands, by Anita Jones.

The staff make you welcome and help you enjoy not only our museum, but other aspects of our town and the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Open Thursday to Mondays 10am – 4pm (last admissions 3.30) Adults: $10.00 Children: $5.00 or free if accompanied by an adult