4 York Street , Bay Of Islands , BAY OF ISLANDS 0202 , New Zealand View hotel location on the map

Overview
Welcome to the Hananui Lodge and Apartments; and to one of New Zealand's best kept secrets - Russell. Steeped in history this romantic town of yester-year will, quite simply, delight you.

Whether you are looking for a romantic hideaway or a holiday of action and excitement, Russell and the Bay of Islands and of course the Hananui Lodge and Apartments can accommodate your every need.

Acommodation

The Hananui offers a range of superior, contemporary, quality accommodation from two bedroom serviced apartments right down to studio apartments. Choose to holiday in the colonial style Lodge, situated right on the waterfront , just a short stroll from Russell Wharf, or stay in the brand new serviced apartments located across the road, directly in front of New Zealand's oldest church - Christ Church.

All 15 rooms are meticulously serviced daily and each has its own kitchenette for the odd meal you may wish to prepare yourself. Convenient shopping and cafes are on the doorstep of both the lodge and apartments.

Other Facilities

At Hananui Lodge and Apartments we are able to provide our guests with a range of other facilities.

Indoor private spa
At the end of each day soak your weary bones and relax in the privacy of Hananui's indoor spa (book a time from 1:00pm - 9:30pm)

Sky TV
We understand how important it is for our guests to be able to unwind at the end of a busy or not so busy day with a spot of TV. All units and apartments have access to four Sky TV channels and three local channels.

Guest laundry
Even when you're on holiday domestic chores need to be done from time to time. The Hananui Lodge and Apartments provides a guest laundry with full washing, drying and ironing facilities.

Mobility access
The Hananui Lodge provides mobility access to two units. Please let us know if you require a left or right hand facility.

Parking
Offstreet parking is available for all Hananui Lodge guests and there's locked garaging for Hananui Apartments guests.

Available to all Hananui guests
In addition to the facilities already covered, our guests are also able to enjoy the use of local tennis courts, boat moorings and kayaks.

Your host, John Clifford also provides a fishing charter service.

Your Hosts
Your locally born hosts, Rongo and John will make you feel welcome, so much so that you won't want to return home. In fact it is their hospitality and dedication to service that ensures so many of our guests return year after year. Your hosts have a rich knowledge of this historic township and are delighted to share this knowledge and their experiences with you. John is an avid and seasoned fisherman. If fishing is your thing, talk to John - he is happy to take Hananui guests fishing at a competitive price.

About Russell
An historic seaside village located on a peninsula of the upper East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, amidst the Bay of Islands, Russell has provided a haven for visitors over the last 300 hundred years. Its Island like charm reflects the tranquillity of yester-year and yet has successfully transitioned into the 21St Century with dignity and style. This cosmopolitan community enjoys the natural wonders of the beach, sea and lush bush surroundings whilst revelling in the sophistication of fine dining and cafes available to visitors from around New Zealand and all over the world.

In late September 2006 New Zealand's AA commenced the search for the No. 1 Kiwi Must-Do experience. With more than 20,000 Kiwis sharing over 195,000 of their experiences AA revealed that the Bay of Islands was ranked the No.3 must-do.

So calling all Kiwis and overseas visitors alike - when you come to experience the magic of the Bay of Islands, hop across the bay and stay in the fabulous town of Russell. You won?t be disappointed.

Check in from: 2:00 pm

Check out by: 10:00 am

Business Facilities
Dial up internet access is available in each room and a fax is available at the main office.

Getting There
The Route To Russell

If you are coming from Auckland there are a variety of ways to reach Russell - air, sea and land. From Auckland fly Air New Zealand to Kerikeri, bus or taxi to Paihia and ferry across to Russell. If you wish to go by sea, you may be lucky enough to own a boat or hitch a lift with a friend. Alternatively charter a boat to Russell. However most visitors are likely to come by land. You may wish to catch a bus or drive yourself. If you choose to drive yourself take the day to get to Russell. There are plenty of fabulous things to do and places to see on your way up.

Getting to Russell can be just as much fun as being there.

Must-do List en route to Russell from Auckland

We recommend you hit the road early, why waste the day? Try and avoid peak hour traffic from around 7:30am - 8:30am. There's nothing worse than sitting in traffic for an hour. If you are looking for directions visit www.hananui.co.nz, go to Location and click on Route to Russell. This will provide you with links to sites of things to do as you drive to Russell and links for directions.

There is plenty to do... peruse our favoured spots.

Now consider a spot of breakfast in lovely Warkworth Village. There are plenty of watering holes to choose from. Estimated drive time from Auckland CBD - approx 45 minutes to 1 hour.

If you've already eaten, the weather is great and you'd like to feast your eyes on some of New Zealand's most beautiful fish, Goat Island's Marine Reserve is a must. Take your own mask and do a spot of snorkelling or check out the more sophisticated dive tours available.

For those wanting to enjoy the beauty whilst remaining dry, check out the glass bottom boat tours. Estimated drive time from Warkworth - approx 24 minutes.

If you started out a little later, and you are more of a foodie and wine connoisseur, Matakana Coast will be of real interest with vineyards, olive groves, fine dining and art galleries. Click here to see it all and for detailed maps of how to get to various places.

Take the kids horse riding at Pakiri Beach Horse Rides . The first rides head out at 10am and it's probably worthwhile booking too. Estimated drive time from Warkworth - approx 31 minutes.

Surf's up! If sea, sand and surf are your thing, whatever you do, don't miss magical Mangawhai Heads. Truly white sand, amazing surf and incredible sand dunes - you'll be swept up by its beauty. Estimated drive time from Pakiri - approx 37 minutes.

If you are still heading North on State Highway 1, but want to go to Mangawhai Heads carry on towards Kaiwaka. Estimated drive time from Kaiwaka - approx 15 minutes.

West of State Highway 1, steeped in history is the Waipu Museum and Heritage. Find out about the unique migration that brought Scottish settlers around the world, via Novia Scotia and Melbourne, eventually to settle in Waipu. Estimated drive time from Kaiwaka - approx 17 minutes.

Whilst in the vicinity of Waipu explore the Waipu caves and rock climbing and abseiling just 16 kms North West of Waipu. All easily achieved with Peak Adventures. Estimated drive time from Kaiwaka - approx 32 minutes.

Feel like a touch of wine tasting or looking to stock up? Stop in at Longview Wine Estate. Estimated drive time from Puwera - approx 1 minute.

Next stop, Whangarei. This is Northland's major city and is definitely worth a stop at one of the two information centres. There are plenty of activities in and around Whangarei. It also makes for a good lunch spot. Particularly down by the Town Basin where there's a range of restaurants and prices.

Just as you are leaving Whangarei and always a fav' with the kids is the Zion Wild Life Gardens, best known as the home of the Lion Man. This fabulous wild life park is really worth a visit. The kids will love you for it. Estimated drive time from Whangarei - approx 10 minutes.

Nearing Kawakawa is a real treat. Explore the fabulous Kawiti Glow Worm caves at Waiomio. Discovered in the early 17th century, Kawiti cave is 200m in length, 20m at the highest point and 12m at its widest. Open from 8:30am - 4:30pm daily, guided tours run every 40 minutes with two tour options. Definitely worth a call before you show up. Phone (09) 404-0583. Estimated drive time from Kamo - approx 29 minutes.

By now you're probably ready for a toilet stop. Or you may simply be an art and architectural enthusiast. Well this is one stop you won't want to miss. Renowned artist and architect, Fredrick Hundertwasser has created an iconic and totally functional work not to be taken lightly. Well worth a pit stop. Estimated drive time from Wiaomio - approx 3 minutes.

Good news! It's now on to the Opua Ferry to Okiato, then on to Russell. Don't miss the turn off and head into Paihia. Ferries run from 6:40am to 10:00pm. You may need to wait up to 20 minutes or so for the ferry to fill up. But relax and enjoy - it's quite an adventure. Estimated drive time from Kawakawa - approx 10 minutes.

Now that you're across the other side; head on directly to the Hananui Lodge and Apartments. Everything from here on, you can do from your base in Russell. Estimated drive time from Okiato - approx 8 minutes.


Having spent a wonderful time in Russell with your Hosts John & Rongo at Hananui Lodge and Apartments, the time has come. Holiday is over. Or is it? Make the homeward journey as exciting as the journey North.
The Journey South
Now you may be tempted to take the coastal road South East out of Russell. You will be treated to divine coastal views but there are only two spots appropriate for stopping. You really have to be a 'view fanatic' to warrant the extra time it takes to go this way.
Otherwise, retrace your steps and head back towards Kawakawa and back onto State Highway 1.

As you commence your journey South consider morning tea at The Gallery and Cafe on Helena Bay Hill. Feast your eyes on the stunning vista back across to Oakura Bay. If you have an eye for art you may even do a spot of shopping for gifts or spoil yourself! If you are driving the scenic coastal route, you'll stumble across this. However, if you are on State Highway 1 follow the directions. Estimated drive time from Whakapara - approx 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if you want to get back to nature, head to Waipoua Forest , home of the famous Tane Mahuta Kauri tree some 2,000 years old. Truly a spectacle and rated as number 23 of AA's 101 Must do's for Kiwis. Estimated drive time from Russell - approx 1 hour 48 minutes.

If you chose to go via Waipoua Forest, you'll continue South down State Highway 12. There is plenty to do around Dargaville, so once again, if you didn't stop at the information centre at Waipoua Forest, we definitely recommend that you stop at the one in Dargaville. You've come a long way; you don't want to miss out on anything. Visit the Dargaville Museum or The Woodturners Studio. Estimated drive time from Waipoua Forest - approx 39 minutes.


Continue south along State Highway 12 to Matakohe and visit the fabulous Kauri Museum. There are incredible displays and a heavenly gift shop. You won't want to miss this one. Estimated drive time from Dargaville - approx 32 minutes.

Now it's time to get back on to State Highway 1. By this point, you may just be keen to get home. But if you are feeling a little thirsty and a bit peckish why not quench your thirst at a well known watering hole - the historic Puhoi Pub.

One final recommendation. On your way back to Auckland alleviate the tension of all this driving. Visit the wonderful thermal pools at Waiwera. Open from 9am - 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and Friday and Saturday until 10.30pm. Estimated drive time from Puhoi - approx 7 minutes.

If you managed to visit a quarter of these sites, you will have done well. Of course we'd love to see you back at the Hananui Lodge and Apartments again, so make sure you leave some things to do for the trip back up.

Parking Info
The Hananui Lodge has off street (uncovered) car parking available. Guests in the Hananui Apartments have secure undercover car parking available to them.