Showing at the Marie King Gallery
A Kind of Fir - Kauri in the Bay of Islands.
In 1772 the French explorer, Marion du Fresne, visited the Bay of Islands. At Manawaora Bay he was shown fine speciman trees, "a sort of fir, producing resin with a strong scent". There was enough wood in a single trunk to mast a 74 gun vessel.
This was the magnificent New Zealand Kauri, strongly at home in Northland.
After 150 years of milling, mature Kauri can still be seen today in areas of native bush such as Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve near Russell.
Have a look at the Special Exhibitions page to see details of past and future exhibitions planned for the Marie King Gallery.
Russell Museum
Te Whare Taonga O Kororareka
Russell Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Kororareka (the treasure house of Russell) is in the heart of Russell. It seeks to collect and preserve the history of its community, to tell the Russell story for visitors and encourage appreciation and knowledge of our local heritage.
The museum tells the story of the development of the town from a small Maori fishing village to a port of call for visiting ships and today's tourist town.
Among its collections is a one-fifth scale model of Captain Cook's Endeavour, and Maori taonga including a small waka (canoe). There are whaling harpoons and deep sea fishing rods, cannon balls from the Battle of Kororareka 1845 and tourist china.
The Marie King Gallery hosts changing exhibitions, a video history of the town and a computer-held photo collection. Outside, an American whaleboat, an old wharf crane and carved pou (posts) point to a strong maritime theme.
The museum welcomes visitors, researchers and additions to its archives to add to its story of a vibrant bicultural community.
The Russell Museum is open every day except Christmas Day.
January: 10am - 5pm
February - December: 10am - 4pm
Admission Charge:
Adults - $5.00
Children - $1.00
Family rate - $5.00 per Adults and children free
School visits - price on application
Email info@russellmuseum.org.nz for more information
Photos / images used on this website our copyright to Russell Museum.