Walk 13 – Mana, Missionaries and Mayhem

Bay of Islands Walking Weekend Friday 13th October Walk 13

Mana, Missionaries and Mayhem

The ultimate tour of Russell - significant landmarks and captivating stories! Finishing up enjoying a cold drink at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel which has been refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827.

Russell (Kororāreka as it was then known) was once the main trading port in Aotearoa, with the infamous reputation as the 'Hell Hole of the Pacific'. Home to American whalers and traders of all nations, it was a scene of 'uncivilised behaviour' described by Charles Darwin in his visit to New Zealand in 1835 as 'the land of cannibalism, murder and all atrocious crimes'. It is anything but that today as your guided walk of this enchanting seaside town will soon reveal. Indeed, alongside this picture of 'vice' ran the voice of 'virtue' as Missionaries sought to convert local Maori (and anyone else who would listen) to Christianity. Includes an eye-opening walk around Russell, entry into and a tour of Pompallier Mission and Printery and a drink at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Assemble HQ: 11.30am
Depart HQ: 12noon.
Conclude at the Duke at 3.30pm for a drink.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 4km
Grade: Medium (a hike up Maiki Hill) Maximum walkers: 12
Category: Family friendly – Children 10 years plus Cost: Adult $30 - includes a guided walk, a refreshment at the Duke, and the tour of Pompallier Mission

Notes:

1. Please check what is included and the time and length of your walk so you know what you need to bring in terms of food and water. It’s always a good idea to have a card or cash on you as you never know what you might encounter along the way.

2. The Russell Bowling Club is our Walking Weekend HQ, all walks start from there. Our guides are all passionate and knowledgeable about the Bay of Islands area and bring something special to the walking experience. Each walk has no more than 20 people. Our HQ is the Russell Bowling Club where people can meet, chat about their day and have something to eat and drink.

Russell is a fantastic base for the weekend with lots of great restaurants, places to stay and for the non-walkers out there. We are very excited about this weekend and the great walking experiences there are here in the Bay of Islands. Time to get your walking boots out of the cupboard and join us in the Bay of Islands. Visit our website to see all the walks you can do.