Russell (Bay of Islands), New Zealand
Today is Sunday, January 28th. We arrived in Russell, New Zealand, early this morning. This charming port town, located at the northern tip of the North Island, was the first European settlement in NZ and was once its capital. Russell is a gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands which encompasses more than 150 islands spread across deep blue water.
Here are a few photos I took just as we were coming into the Russell area.
The ship was anchored in a cove not visible from the port. It took about 20 minutes to tender in.
Once we disembarked at the end of the town's long wharf that was reserved for Viking's tenders, we walked the wharf to shore.
The small port or harbor was picturesque and full of activity.
A narrow paved road runs along the shore and is lined with restaurants, small hotels and inns, craft shops, and the like.
Russell was originally known as Kororareka. It became a significant whaling port and in short order developed the reputation as a lawless place full of brothels and bars. It was known, in fact, as the "Hell-Hole of the Pacific." After walking around town a bit we were treated to some street theater staged by local residents. The theme was the conflict between virtue and vice as it supposedly played out in Kororareka in the 1800s. All of the skits were well done and very entertaining. The minister was particularly funny as his preaching was laced with double ententres. Here's what it all looked like.
While this was going on, Janis went to the Russell Museum where she saw, among other things, a replica of the Endeavor, Capt. Cook's boat that explored the South Pacific and landed at Russell. Eventually, Janis and I walked up to a promontory that is part of the Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve. The views from there are stunning.
Tomorrow we arrive in Auckland where we will spend two days. What an adventure we're on!
Here are a few photos I took just as we were coming into the Russell area.
The ship was anchored in a cove not visible from the port. It took about 20 minutes to tender in.
Once we disembarked at the end of the town's long wharf that was reserved for Viking's tenders, we walked the wharf to shore.
The small port or harbor was picturesque and full of activity.
A narrow paved road runs along the shore and is lined with restaurants, small hotels and inns, craft shops, and the like.
Russell was originally known as Kororareka. It became a significant whaling port and in short order developed the reputation as a lawless place full of brothels and bars. It was known, in fact, as the "Hell-Hole of the Pacific." After walking around town a bit we were treated to some street theater staged by local residents. The theme was the conflict between virtue and vice as it supposedly played out in Kororareka in the 1800s. All of the skits were well done and very entertaining. The minister was particularly funny as his preaching was laced with double ententres. Here's what it all looked like.
While this was going on, Janis went to the Russell Museum where she saw, among other things, a replica of the Endeavor, Capt. Cook's boat that explored the South Pacific and landed at Russell. Eventually, Janis and I walked up to a promontory that is part of the Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve. The views from there are stunning.
Tomorrow we arrive in Auckland where we will spend two days. What an adventure we're on!
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