Russell Kororareka Field Trips
If your school or school-age group is planning a trip to Northland then here's a great interactive day out for your group. Join the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson and experience a great day out in Russell. Not only educational, covering history, social studies, outdoor education, but also plus a whole heap of fun for caregivers and students alike!
All activities are within walking distance in the historic and beautiful Russell Township and have special schools programmes. The day ends with a sail on board Northland's own tall ship the R. Tucker Thompson – always voted a highlight of any school trip.
The special package includes a one-way ferry from Paihia and entrance into all activities. Cost per person $27.50 NZD (irrelevant of age or maturity). Max Capacity: 45, Min Capacity 20.
Field trips are available from November to April excluding Sundays and Wednesdays and Fridays. Winter availability based on schedule. To check availability please email us. To book, download our booking form.
Suggested Programme (all except the ship negotiable)
12.30-12.50 Board Ferry from Paihia to Russell
12.30-12.50 Welcome and Mihi at Kororareka Marae
1.00-1. 50 Groups rotate through Russell Museum DOC & Pompallier
2.00-2. 50 Groups rotate through Russell Museum DOC & Pompallier
3.00-3.50 Groups rotate through Russell Museum, DOC & Pompallier
4.00 Groups walk to Russell Wharf
4.15-6.00 Tall Ship sailing on R. Tucker Thompson
6.00 pm Arrive Opua wharf
Haratu- Whare Mahi o Kororareka Marae
Let Haratu provide a cultural welcome to Russell Kororareka. When you arrive in town there will be a Mihi (welcome) followed by a presentation of the history of the area. Learn about the Early Maori Settlement, the Battle of Kororareka and how the Kororareka Marae Society came about obtaining such an historical site. The Marae amphitheatre is available for lunch if required.
Russell Museum
Russell Museum 's displays tell the town's story from the earliest years of Maori/European contact in NZ. In our collection are a 1:5 scale model of Captain Cook's Endeavour, artefacts relating to the town's 100 years as a port of call for whaling ships, a 12 minute video and memorabilia from our eventful history, including the Flagstaff War. The museum sells Heritage Trail booklets to help groups explore the area's historic sites, as well as Northland books and souvenirs.
Pompallier Mission & Printery
This historic mission provides hands-on experiences in this 1840s printery: tanning and leather production, typesetting, printing and bookbinding. At the same time, hear the stories of the people who made these Maori language books and who were witnesses to Treaty-making and war.
Department of Conservation
Interactive hands -on sessions for all age groups led by DOC staff on how pest invasions in the past have resulted in today's environmental landscape in the Bay of Islands. Information about Project Island Song and the pest-free islands of the Bay as well as current environmental management, native birds and programmes to restore our natural environment.
R. Tucker Thompson
An authentically designed 19th century gaff rigged tops'l schooner, a beautiful working ship steeped in rugged tradition yet modern and safe. The ship will take students from Russell back to Opua. Students can help set the sails, take the helm, put on harnesses to climb the rigging and go out onto the bowsprit under crew guidance.
