Location & Directions

BY CAR

Aprox 3.5 hours north of Auckland The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a lovely drive through some of the most scenic parts of New Zealand. Take your time and discover some of the other things that Northland has to offer.

If you have your own transport there are two main ways to get to Russell, depending on how much time you have and your sense of adventure.

THE HIGHWAY
The most direct route is to take State Highway 1 from Auckland to Cape Reinga. About 45 minutes north of Whangarei at Kawakawa take SH11 to Opua, Paihia and Russell (via vehicle ferry). Although the road is windy, it is fully sealed and well signposted. At the top of the hill leading to Opua, turn right and head down to the vehicle ferry which operates a continuous service during the day and a reduced service from 6.00pm until 10:00pm. Bookings are not required and you pay on board. 

Car Ferry Facts

First ferry Leaves Okiato 06:00am  (Russell side), Leaves Opua 06:10am  (Mainland side)

Last ferry leaves: Okiato 22.00 (Russell side) , Leave Opua 21.50 (Mainland side)

Travel time: 10mins

Tickets: Purchased on board - cash and eftpos/visa available

On the other side (called Okiato) keep following the main road for approximately 7km to Russell. You will find us right on the water front in Russell Village.  

?Our guest parking is located across the street from  the back of the hotel, on York Street. Please leave your luggage in the car as it may be more suitable to use the lift which is closer to our permanent car parking.

Using GPS
Some GPS’s don’t recognise the car ferry at Opua as the direct route to Russell and may direct you via the longer (although very scenic) coastal road instead. So make sure your GPS has the latest software programme but if you are unsure and don’t want to take the coast road then set your GPS for Beechy St, Opua, which is where the ferry wharf is

THE BYWAY
For a more scenic journey, take the Old Russell road, which turns right off SH1 at Whakapara, approximately 20 minutes north of Whangarei. Following signs for Oakura, take your time and enjoy the fully sealed road as it meanders around the coast. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and places to stop for a leisurely break. This can add an additional hour onto your journey.

Once you reach Russell Village you will find us right on the water front.  Our guest parking is located across the street from  the back of the hotel, on York Street. Please leave your luggage in the car as it may be more suitable to use the lift which is closer to our permanent car parking.

BY COACH?

There are a number of operators who run coaches from downtown Auckland to downtown Paihia. Once in Paihia, head for the wharf, which is only 100m away from the coach terminal, and catch one of the regular passenger ferries to Russell.

Once in Russell, many places are only a short walk away and we are more than happy collect guests from the wharf if you let us know you are coming.

BY AIR

There are two airports in Northland with connecting services from Auckland, New Zealand’s main international & domestic airport.

The closest airport to Russell is Kerikeri Bay of Islands, approximately 45 minutes by road and ferry. The airport at Whangarei is approximately 95 minutes by road.

There are a number of taxi shuttle operators who will be available to transport you from the Kerikeri airport to Russell and a local taxi company meets all scheduled flights. Rental cars are also available

The Bay of Islands airport website has a list of shuttle and taxi companies otherwise please call our reception team on +64 9 403 7829 and they would be happy to help