Kesters Cottage is a holiday house in Russell, in the Bay of Islands. It’s a simple Kiwi Bach with unrivalled views over Long Beach & the Outer Bay of Islands. The house is close to swimming beaches, fishing, sea kayaking, sightseeing, dolphin & whale watching, scuba diving, golf & a host of other activities.
Bay of Islands Events Calendar
January
Bay of Islands Tall Ships Race: The Tall Ship's Race in the Bay of Islands is a great spectacle & lots of fun. You can join the fun on board one of the traditional tall ships such as the R. Tucker Thompson. The race starts at midday from Russell Wharf. After the event, you can go along to the hangi (traditional Maori meal) and dance at Russell Boat Club - a fantastic day out and great evening too!
Bay of Islands Sailing Week: Sailing Week is an event run by local sailing enthusiasts. During the actual race week there can be up to sixty people giving up their time and energy resulting in an efficiently run regatta, like a well oiled clock. The Bay of Islands Sailing Week gets bigger & better every year.
February
Waitangi Day: Waitangi Day is a celebration of the signing of the treaty of Waitangi by the Crown & the Maori tribes of New Zealand in 1840. The day starts at dawn with the Royal New Zealand Navy raising the New Zealand Flag, Union Flag and White Ensign on the flagstaff in the treaty grounds. The ceremonies during the day generally include a church service and cultural displays such as dance and song. Several waka and a navy ship also re-enact the calling ashore of Governor Hobson to sign the treaty. The day closes with the flags being lowered by the Navy in a traditional ceremony.
March
Commemoration of the Battle of Kororareka: The Kororareka Festival is run in conjunction with the Commemoration of the Battle of Kororareka. The day usually starts with the Russell School Garage sale, stalls open at 9am. The Dog Show is at 9.30am and the Inaugural Hone Heke Run starts at 10.30am. Waka Ama kicks off at 11am . There is a host of entertainment thru' out the day. The Stage this is on the Water so you can enjoy your day under the pohutukawa on the Russell Waterfront. The evening entertainment usually includes a live band at “The Pub 'round the Corner.”
April
Cape Brett Challenge, cross country running race: This 37km run starts in and passes through Whangamumu & Te Toroa Bay before joining the Cape Brett track. Although the race is all on formed track, this run represents a significant challenge, with over 2000 vertical metres of climbing, some of it very steep. It is usually limited to 100 runners who will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Runners must be capable of completing the run in less than 7½ hours. A time cutoff applies. Top runners are expected to take 4½ hours (for guidance a 4 hour Coast to Coast runner would expect to take around 6 hours). Practice runs are permissible but runners will need to pay track fees to DOC or a track agent.
May
Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival: The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand. Each year the festival features more than 45 acts from New Zealand, Nashville and Australia performing at multiple venues. Street music and line dancing are also popular features.
June
Bay of Islands International Yellowtail Kingfish Tournament: Come and battle a monster kingfish. Anglers from all over the world invade Russell to chase world record sized Yellowtail Kingfish. Charter boats are available, but it pays to book early.
Matariki - Maori New Year: Matariki is the Maori name for the small cluster of stars that can be seen low on New Zealand’s north-eastern horizon just before dawn in the last days of May or in early June. The first appearance of these stars, which are also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, heralds the beginning of Maori New Year celebrations. Celebrations in the Bay of Islands are centered in Paihia. Traditionally, Matariki was an opportunity to honour the past and plan for the future. Today it has become a time to celebrate New Zealand; share kai (food), stories and songs; create art and enjoy cultural entertainment.
July
Russell Birdman Festival: Find a spot along the waterfront and watch the wacky, zany, cleverly crafted, hilarious team or individual human powered flying machines launch off Russell wharf to gain the longest distance. Other activities associated with the festival include a beach dig for kids under 10, stalls. Kayak races, spaghetti eating competition, & BBQ cook off, & bands & dancing late into the night.
August
The Northland Jazz and Blues Festival: August is when the Bay of comes alive with the sounds of smooth jazz and sultry blues. The festival includes Three days of music, over 150 hours of quality jazz and blues, five fantastic venues in Paihia, Haruru Falls and Russell. There is loads of free street music Saturday and Sunday, & Jazz on the Steam Train in Kawakawa. A badge gets you discounted ferries between Paihia and Russell, and a free shuttle bus between Haruru Falls and Paihia.
September
Oyster Festival: Oyster lovers flock to Russell in September for the annual oyster festival. Fun kicks of early and includes a street parade, oyster demonstrations, competitions, food stalls and oyster dishes.
October
Labour Weekend Coastal Classic Regatta: Every year the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic gets better and better. The race itself doesn’t change– it starts in Auckland and finishes in Russell and the weather can spice things up! The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club does a great job making the pre- and after race events memorable.
Looking for accommodation in Russell or the Bay of Islands? Our 2 bedroom holiday house in Russell has wonderful views over Long Beach & the outer Islands. The house is available for as little $130 per night. If you are in Russell, for a few days, the house provides a great & economical base for the range of activities that the Bay offers
The rental for Kester’s cottage is $ 130 per night. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required. For longer bookings discounted rates are sometimes available. The holiday house is available for rent throughout the year. It is often booked out over the summer holiday season, so advanced bookings are recommended.
