The document provides suggestions for things to do over a weekend in Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. It describes checking into the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, a charming historic hotel with waterfront views. Suggested activities include electric bike tours around Russell to explore beaches and historic sites, visiting the Pompallier Mission House museum to learn about early French influences, and touring the Russell Museum to learn about the area's history and first European settlers. It also recommends a wine tasting at the Omata Estate vineyard with views of the bay.

1. Saturday, September 17, 2016 | Weekend
6 destinations
In the Bay
The Duke of
Marlborough Hotel:
Russell, Bay of
Islands,
theduke.co.nz
Upgrades available
for rooms:
Waterfront — $72
extra for 2 nights/
Superior — $40 extra
for 2 nights
Bay of Islands
vehicle ferry: $25
return.
dolphincruises.co.nz/
the-bay/paihia-
russell-ferry-
timetable
BAYWATCH
Ellie Hutchinson discovers a world
of adventure and enjoyment just a
few short hours from Auckland
Flying Kiwi Parasail will give you a new perpective on
the Bay of Islands.
I
tis apleasantsurprise to arrive atthe
beautifulBay of Islandson aFriday
afternoon after less than three hours’drive
north of Auckland — passing through
some of myfavourite weekendhangout spots,
Mangawhai and Waipu, on the way.
It’s our first time to Russell, sowe decide to
follow Google Maps and, luckily, itdirectsusto
Opua via Kawakawa. We find out later that the
scenic coastal road would have addedanhour
to our journey. The trip by ferry from Opua to
Russell is anadventure initself and it’s not long
before we feela million miles from the city.
We arrive at the historic village of Russell, the
first capital of New Zealand,and head for the
Duke of MarlboroughHotel. Thedelightful
Vincentgreets us warmly at reception.
The Dukeisacharming old building of native
kauri with acolourful past. Ibegan life in 1827
as ex-convict Johnny Johnston’s grog shop and
became the first licensed hotel inNew Zealand.
The framedlicencehangs proudly inthe bar. We
also learn that Russell’s original name,
Kororareka, means sweet penguin and refers to
the story of aMaori chief who,afterbeinginjured
inbattle, asked for abroth of sweet penguin to
restore his health.
From our large spacious waterfront room —
one of 25 —are stunning views.Two huge floor-
to-ceilingwindows provideasweeping panorama
of the water, wharf, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
and, across the water,Paihia. There’s
complimentary wi-fi, alarge Jacuzzi spa bath,
and top-notch toiletries and teas..
Also providedisplenty of information on local
points of interestandhistory.
Live music plays on the deck below.The sound
of Bob Marley and other classic coversinstantly
get us into holidaymood and we head down for
lunch. We grab a spot on the verandah, one of
the three available dining areas overlookingthe
water, and agreat place to watch the sunset.
At peak season the Dukecancater for up to 1500
people, and this summer they are expecting up
to 54 boats filled with hungry visitors. The indoor
dining area has ahomely feel, reminiscent of an
old Englishcountry pub with plentyofhistorical
pictures and paintings, mini chandeliers,a
grand piano, roaring fire, wooden tables and cosy
armchairs. We settle in and people-watchas
Vincent appears again to help us selectfrom the
extensive listof wines and beers.
The Marsden Estate pinot gris is aperfect
match for my grilled chicken caesar salad and
my husbandishappy with apint and his
Governor’s angus beef burger.
The restaurant mostly uses local kai moana,
and offers a“Catch and Cook” experience — its
chef will prepare fish caught by guests on the
hotel’s fishing trips.
ATASTEOFRUSSELL
(Package Price from $572)
Adventure for Good —ElectricBike Hire
Electric bikes really are agreat way to get
around; they are afun, safe and easy way to
explore Russell.Power up the engine and you
can reach the top of FlagstaffHill within minutes
to take in the 360-degree views;or zip over the
hill to discoverbreathtaking LongBeach. Visit
New Zealand’s first church, Christ Church,with
musket holes still evident inits walls from the
battle of Kororareka in1845. One of the first
donations for itsconstruction came from Charles
Darwin. In the groundsyou will find the
headstoneofTamati Waka Nene, who was one
of the first chiefs to sign the Treatyof Waitangi.
You can also hop on the passenger ferry with
the bikes and head over to Paihia ($7 each way
or$12 return).
Pompallier Mission House
New Zealand’s only survivingpioneer printshop
and tannery,Pompallier House,built in the
French provincial style,iswitness to wider
French influences inNew Zealand and the
Pacific. Here, you’ll getan insight into the
working mission factory and hear the stories of
the people who worked and lived through the
times of Treaty-making and subsequentwars.
Tours lasting 45 minutes run regularly
throughout the day.
Russell Museum
Ifyou are interested in early Maori history, why
Russell gained the reputation as the “hellhole
of the Pacific”,the whaling industry that brought
traders from Massachusetts to the Pacific, early
Europeansettlement inNew Zealand orthe
beginnings of the gamefishing and tourism
industry,avisitto the museumisa must. There
isalso areplica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour,
animpressive model at one-fifth of the original
size.
Omata Estate
Viticulturalist Bruce Soland is alocal character,
and amine of information on grapes and growing
them, which makes for avery interesting wine-
tasting session. The 70ha Omata winery isset
on abeautifulpeninsula with stunning views out
to the bay. Relax on the lawn and be entertained
by friendly piwakawaka, or cosy up by the fire
inthe rotunda-style building with the owners’
playful black labrador, Molly.
After dark, try to spotone of the resident kiwi.
During summer months they serve antipasti
platters and wood-fired pizzas —and they will
even runyou back to your lodgingsintheir
minivan.