Getting Here
How to get to Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park
Self Drive
If you have your own transport there are two main ways to get to Russell, depending on how much time you have and your sense of adventure.
The Highway
The most direct route is to take State Highway 1 from Auckland to Cape Reinga. About 45 minutes north of Whangarei at Kawakawa take SH11 to Opua, Paihia and Russell (via vehicle ferry).The road is fully sealed and well signposted. At the top of the hill leading to Opua, turn right and head down to the vehicle ferry. On the other side (called Okiato) keep following the main road for approximately 7km to Russell. The road is fully sealed. Drive straight through the village along York Street. Turn right onto Wellington St/Long Beach Road, then left into James Street. Russell Top 10 is on the corner of Long Beach Road and James Street.
The Byway
For a more scenic journey, take the Old Russell road, which turns right off SH1 at Whakapara, approximately 20 minutes north of Whangarei. Following signs for Oakura, take your time and enjoy the fully sealed road as it meanders around the coast. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and places to stop for a leisurely break. This route takes around 15 minutes longer than the main highway, but is more picturesque and avoids the cost of the vehicle ferry.
The 'opps' we've missed the Ferry/Turnoff' way
If you find yourself arriving late at night and the last ferry has gone there is a back road through the Waikare forest. The turn-off is approximately 5 minutes after Kawakawa (Opua side) and is signposted ‘Waikare’. Please note: this is a narrow, unsealed and very windy road and not recommended for overseas visitors unused to driving on New Zealand’s wilder back roads.
By Coach
Naked Bus and Intercity run a coach service from downtown Auckland to downtown Paihia. Once in Paihia, head for the wharf which is only 100m away from the coach terminal, and catch one of the passenger ferries to Russell.
