School camps at Russell – Orongo Bay Holiday Park
Russell – Orongo Bay Holiday Park sits on 14 acres of native bush a few minutes’ drive south of Russell township in the Bay of Islands. It’s an established school camp venue. Groups can stay in the lodge or camp, and the park helps with itinerary planning, bookings with local operators and curriculum-linked activities.
It’s close to several of New Zealand’s most important historic sites, so it suits schools studying Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories.
Accommodation for school groups
The Lodge: 12 rooms that open outwards onto decks, sleeping around 70 guests.
- Fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a lounge with a large stone log fire
- Big deck for group gatherings
- Male and female bathrooms reserved for the group
- A marquee can be arranged in advance
- From $25 per student and $33 per adult per night
Camping: exclusive use of reserved areas of the park, from only $12.00 per child per night. Adults from $16.00 per night
Extra beds: cabins and self-contained units nearby can house teachers, parent helpers or overflow numbers. Groups can self-cater or arrange catering.
School History Package
The park’s most popular option for schools is a 3-day, 2-night package combining accommodation with history activities, for $235 per student. Russell is one of the best places in the country to teach early contact history. Within a short trip of the park are:
- Ōkiato: the site of New Zealand’s first capital (1840–41), just down the road
- Kororāreka / Russell: Pompallier Mission, Christ Church (the country’s oldest surviving church) and Maiki (Flagstaff Hill), where Hōne Heke cut down the flagstaff
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds: across the bay by ferry
The park coordinates visits with local operators, and its tour desk can book trips such as the Russell mini-coach heritage tour.
Te Ao Māori and curriculum links
The park offers more than 50 activities linked to the curriculum, across Social Sciences, History, and People and Places. Its approach to Te Ao Māori is built around kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. By arrangement, activities can include hāngī, raranga (weaving), rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) and fire pit sessions.
Nature and conservation
The park is predator-free and one of the few places in New Zealand where you can see North Island brown kiwi in the wild. Students may also see weka during the day, pāteke (brown teal) and up to 55 native bird species. The Kiwi Trail runs through the bush. Environmental learning includes tree planting, bird identification and native plants and animals. Red-light torches are recommended for night walks so the kiwi aren’t disturbed.
On-site activities
- Saltwater swimming pool (October–May)
- Campfire evenings with marshmallows and stargazing
- Wood-fired pizza oven and barbecue areas
- Table tennis, playground and big grassed areas for sport and team games
- Oneroa Bay beach nearby
Planning and safety
- Staff who help groups are police checked
- The park provides a RAMS (Risk Analysis Management System) form that schools can adapt for their own safety planning
- Free itinerary planning and booking service
- Wi-Fi in designated areas and free parking, including for buses
Getting there
The park is at 5960 Russell-Whakapara Road, Russell. Most groups come via the Ōpua–Ōkiato vehicle ferry across from Paihia, and the park is a short drive from the ferry landing. The Russell–Paihia passenger ferry makes it easy to get across to Waitangi.
Frequently asked questions
How many students can the lodge take?
Around 70 in the lodge with another 20 in nearby cabins, and camping areas can take more.
Can we self-cater?
Yes. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, and catering can be arranged if you’d rather not cook.
Is there a package that includes activities?
Yes. The 3-day, 2-night School History Package is $235 per student.
Can the park help with our RAMS?
Yes. It provides a RAMS form for schools to adapt.
When is the pool open?
October to May.
Author: Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park
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