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.
Kester’s Cottage is only a 2 minute drive from Russell Township. Russell is approximately 3 ½ hrs north of Auckland & 35 minutes from the Bay of Islands Airport in Kerikeri.
Driving directions to Russell from Auckland.
Drive north from Auckland city on State Highway 1 over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Continue north through the towns of Warkworth, Wellsford, Te Hana, Kaiwaka, Whangarei, and Kawakawa (approximately 210 km). At Kawakawa continue north on Highway 11. After about 20km and look for the Opua/ferry turnoff on the right. The road then descends gradually down to Opua harbour (this is where you get your first glimpse over the bay). Take the car ferry across to Okiato.
The car ferry runs between Opua and Okiato continuously between approximately 6.30am and 9.30pm. The Fuller’s Car ferry service is excellent and you can often drive straight on, if not the wait is usually no longer than 10 minutes. The ferry costs NZ$10.00 one way, per car/driver, plus NZ$1.00 for each passenger. A 10 trip concession ticket for car & driver costs about NZ$55.00 (2009 price). Pay the ticket collector on the ferry (Make sure you have cash, as credit cards and EFTPOS are not available on the ferry). You can also buy concession tickets at Fullers in Paiha and Russell where credit cards, EFPOS are accepted.
From Okiato drive 8km to Russell. You will enter Russell on Matauwhi Rd. Drive north on Matauwhi Rd toward Robertson St (0.4 km). Continue on Baker St (0.2 km) & then turn right at Chapel St (0.2 km). Chapel St turns slightly left and becomes Oneroa Rd (0.4 km). Turn right at Russell Heights Rd. Kester’s Cottage is number 9 & is on your left.
The address is
9 Russell heights
Russell, Northland 0202
New Zealand
Flying to Whangarei or Kerikeri
Auckland to Whangarei is about 30 minutes flying time. Then rent a car in Whangarei, drive north on State Highway 1 and 11 to Russell (continue as above). The drive takes about 1 hour.
Auckland to Kerikeri is about 45 minutes flying time. You can rent a car in Kerikeri and drive south on State Highway 10 about 20km and turn left at Puketona Road. Drive through Paihia, to Opua (continue as above). The drive takes about 35 minutes.
