School Visits
Curriculum Aligned Learning
Russell Kororāreka plays a significant role in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Īpipiri is a place of first Māori arrivals from Polynesia, it is where one of the first encounters between Māori and Europeans took place and Kororāreka is where the first Māori wars started. The rich tapestry of stories woven into the fabric of Kororāreka invites visitors to explore the narratives that have shaped our nation. Each corner of the town holds echoes of the past, from the bustling whaling days to the tranquil beauty of its natural landscapes. The Russell Museum stands as a beacon of knowledge, offering insights into the lives of those who walked these shores before us. Engage with our interactive displays and uncover the layers of history that define Aotearoa. Whether you are a student, educator, or history enthusiast, the museum provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past and inspire future generations.
Kororāreka Russell is an essential destination for exploring our country’s history and natural heritage before human arrival in Aotearoa, and understanding our environmental impact. The Russell Museum offers curriculum-aligned learning experiences, blending self-guided, interactive, and object-based activities with expert facilitation from museum staff. Its exhibitions and resources connect naturally to Social Sciences, Science, the Arts, Technology, and, from 2023, History. A visit to the museum sparks curiosity and deepens understanding of Kororāreka Russell and Īpipiri Eastern Bay of Islands’ role in shaping New Zealand’s nationally and globally significant history. Topics covered include Social Sciences: early human migration by Polynesians and Europeans, first Māori-European encounters, New Zealand’s first town, Treaty of Waitangi, Hone Heke and the Northern War, and more. Sciences: studying human environmental impact and ongoing regeneration efforts in Russell and Īpipiri. The Arts: documenting history through art, Māori craftsmanship, and the Pauline Yearbury collection. Technology: celestial navigation and vessel innovations. Discover stories of the past that resonate today, inspiring the future.
To book your group visit to the Russell Museum, download form, complete with your details and email bookings@russellmuseum.org.nz. If you are organising multiple activities and would like your itinerary planned, you can contact the Bay of Islands Education Network (BOIEN) who can plan your whole excursion itinerary, including museum visits, accommodation and catering.