We left Otiao Bay

and set off back to Paihia whilst racing continued

and asked the ferry to stop at Russell which is immediately opposite Paihia which can be accessed either by foot ferry from Paihia or by car ferry from Opuha, both about 15 minutes. The alternative is a long drive round the peninsula.

Russell is a pretty place, more sophisticated and exclusive than Paihia with a wharf

a shoreside village street

with cafes and restaurants along a tree lined road and a pretty church

and a Governor’s residence on the hill behind