Russell Museum

The Russell Museum is a treasured cultural hub in Kororāreka/Russell, offering visitors a rich insight into the stories that shaped the Far North and Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in one of the country’s earliest European settlements, the museum reflects Russell’s layered history as a Māori stronghold, a whaling port, and a key site in the nation’s colonial past. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the museum shares taonga, photographs, artworks, and historical records that bring local narratives to life. It plays an important role in preserving and interpreting both Māori and Pākehā histories, fostering understanding and connection across generations. More than a repository of objects, the Russell Museum is an active community space that supports education, heritage protection, and cultural dialogue. For locals and visitors alike, it provides an accessible and engaging way to explore the people, events, and enduring spirit of Russell and the wider Bay of Islands.