Hell Hole of the Pacific
Trip Start
Feb 08, 2008
1
8
29
Trip End
Mar 10, 2008
Russell,
New Zealand
Thursday, February 14, 2008
driving on the wrong side of the road. Fortunately it is only a short drive to Paihia. We get a parking space on the first stretch of beach and set off to walk to the Ferry Terminal about 15 minutes away. There is a closer car park but with expensive day rates and this is lovely walk along the beach with wonderful views of the bay. We are off to see Russell which the locals have assured us we will enjoy. Russell was the first whaling port in NZ and at that time had a reputation as a lawless, rowdy spot and earned its title as the Hell Hole of the Pacific. Now it is a sleepy seaside village with a quaint charm. The ferry ride is only about 10 minutes and they are pretty laid back here. We are instructed to "just take a seat on the ferry dearie and I'll find you later for the fare". After a short 10 minute ferry ride we arrive in Russell and are charmed by its old buildings and lovely marina
Anglican Church in Russell
. We take the Russell Mini tour, $20.00 for a 55 minute tour in a mini bus. This turns out to be well worth it . Katrina provides us with great commentary and explains the local history. Not only do we go by the local historical buildings we get to the high spots of the area, Tapeka Point, Matauwhi Bay, Flagstaff Hill and go by the Museum which we decide to investigate further once the tour is over. We find the Stone Bakery which had received a great write in in the Calgary Herald and I try a sandwich on home baked bread, Al has smoked salmon scrambled eggs which look to die for. Before we know it we have whiled away the day in this lovely spot. It is starting to cloud over and the bay is choppy as we head back to Paihia. We have spent too much time in Russell, so must skip exploring Paihia as we head back to the car. Arriving back "home" Al tries his hand at the big BBQ and I set the table on our little patio and get more of the NZ wine opened, now this really is paradise. A little cooler then I would like, but paradise never the less!
