[lettie]

While in Bay of Islands, I took the ferry from Paihia to the charming little town of Russell. The ferries run approximately every 20 minutes between the 2 towns, and are quite cheap. To wander around Russell looking at the old colonial style houses, little tea shoppes and lovely little church, it's difficult to believe it's history. At the turn of the 19th century, the town was called Kororareka (hope the spelling is right). This town was the main shore station for the Whalers, and was a rowdy, lawless town. It was nick named the ' Hell Hole of the Pacific' It was re-named Russell in the mid 19th century, to honour the British colonial secretary of that time. It's a beautiful peaceful little town and I fell in love with this place. Russell is also the home of the oldest church in NZ called Christ Church. The oldest industrial building in NZ, Pompelier House can also be seen here. Originally opened by French Roman Catholic Marist missionaries to house their printing press, Pompelier has been extensively restored and still houses a printing press and book bindary. Here are some pics of Russell, a view of the wharf from the ferry, Pompelier House, and the lovely little Christ Church.