On the way to Russell.
The main sign says “Food”, but the sign (bottom right) shows that it’s now part of the past.
Kawakawa, just before the Opua Ferry that takes you over to Russell.
Still in Kawakawa.
This kid insisted on singing in the pouring rain for well over an hour, despite having shelter on either side of him. His rain jacket was safely left on the bench.
And it’s Russell. No longer the “hell-hole” of the Pacific. It’s a name Charles Darwin gave thanks to the prolieferation of nefarious activities in the Bay of Islands.
The ferry from Russell to Paihia.
Easily the most prominent landmark in Russell—the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. The Duke of Marlborough began its life in 1827 as “Johnny Johnstons Grog Shop”. The owner Johnny Johnston was an ex convict come good, he became fluent in Te Reo and was very well regarded by the local Maori. This relationship led to Johnny being able to purchase the freehold site of the Duke – which was one of the first land sales to a European in New Zealand.
The Duke of Malborough Hotel: At the time the Duke of Marlborough was the world’s richest man, so the name sought to bring respect, elegance and opulence to the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”.
Like any good Kiwi town, there has to be a Four Square, a bar and a fish and chips shop.
Dann Pinkney, playing for audiences on both sides of the harbour. He’s headed from Russell to Paihia.