Christ Church, Russell

Russell – romantic Russell or Hell Hole of the past?

Actually neither really although it has been called both in the past.

Just a lovely little settlement across the Bay from Paihia with an unexpectedly important place in NZ history.

The current population of 816 belies its history as the first capital of New Zealand.

Maori Memorial Garden, Russell

Maori Memorial Garden, Russell

There were so many things to like:

  • the peace and quiet of a Maori garden
  • the hotel sign which said “Refreshing Reprobates and Rascals since 1827”;
  • the first Anglican church in New Zealand – the place of the first signature on the Treaty of Waitangi
  • and lunch in the Duke Marlborough hotel – the first hotel in New Zealand.

For a small place it has a lot of firsts!

Memorial in Christ Church graveyard, Russell

Memorial in Christ Church graveyard, Russell

Memorial in Christ Church graveyard, Russell

Memorial in Christ Church graveyard, Russell

Post by Anne