Mana, Missionaries and Mayhem - Walk 13

Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
Mana, Missionaries and Mayhem - Walk 13

Take the ultimate tour of Russell taking in some of the most significant landmarks and hearing the captivating stories, before finishing up enjoying a cold drink at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel which has been refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827.

Russell (Kororareka as it was then known) was once the main trading port in Aotearoa, with the infamous reputation as the 'Hell Hole of the Pacific'. Home to American whalers and traders of all nations, it was a scene of uncivilised behaviour' described by Charles Darwin in his visit to New Zealand in 1835 as 'the land of cannibalism, murder and all atrocious crimes'. It is anything but that today as your guided walk of this enchanting seaside town will soon reveal. Indeed, alongside this picture of 'vice' ran the voice of 'virtue' as Missionaries sought to convert local Maori (and anyone else who would listen) to Christianity.

Without giving too much away you will hike up the magnificent Maiki Hill where a party led by the famed Maori chief Hone Heke felled the flagstaff for the final time in 1845 before burning the town to the ground. You'll visit New Zealand's oldest surviving church (Christ Church - where bullet holes from musket fire of the Northern Wars can still be seen in its walls) and take a tour of New Zealand's oldest factory (the Printery, Tannery and Bindery at Pompallier Mission) before finishing with a taste at New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel - the Duke of Marlborough.

The stories that you hear will change your mind about how you view the stories of Russell steeped in so much history.

Fri 16th Oct, 2.00pm
Distance 4km
Duration 3.5 hours
Cost Adult $30, Child $10 (includes a refreshment at the Duke, and the tour of Pompallier Mission)
Grade - Medium (a hike up Maiki Hill - this is optional)
Category - Family friendly - all ages
Maximum walkers - 20

All walks depart from the Russell Bowling Club in Russell. There are many walks to book on - so look at all the walks you can do over the 3 days. The walks are all guided and the guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the region.

Visit our website to see all the walks you can do.
For more on accommodation and what is on in the region - speak to Collette - Russell Information Centre - 0800 633 255 or (09) 403 8020 (Russell Office).