Local events of interest, stay at Bellrock Lodge for easy access to these events.
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
9 October 2025 to Sunday, 12 October 2025
The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend across 9 to 12 October 2025 has 25 walks to choose from of various lengths and difficulties.
To ensure you get the best out of the walks, there are local guides to lead you all the way. They are all passionate and knowledgeable about the Bay of Islands area and bring something extra to the walking experience. Each walk has no more than 20 people, so get in quick to book.
www.bayofislandswalkingweekend.co.nz
Russell Birdman Festival
July 2025 (Date TBA), Russell Warf
Its wild, wacky and so much fun!!
Russell Birdman is now recognised as the largest winter festival in Northland with visitors from far afield coming to Russell for the weekend.
Come and watch the visual festival, take part in the many events and... YES, you too can fly!
Pompallier Mission & Printery: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions
Sunday 24th November - Monday 25th November 2024
This November, Adrian Cook will be taking his mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to Russell, Kororākea, in the Bay Of Islands to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.
Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850's, the photographic plates are individually coated and sensitised in the darkroom before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.
Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.
Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate
Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.
Cruz'n the Bayz
27 February 2025 - 2 March 2025
'Cruz'n The Bayz' is coming back for Feb 27th to March 2nd 2025 in the Bay of Islands. Over 3 days we will gather and cruise Northland with like-minded classic/hot rod/muscle car and bike enthusiasts from all over NZ.
CRUZ'N THE BAYS | NORTHLAND | Classic car & bike event 2023 (cruznthebayz.nz)
Blue70 Beach to Bay – Ocean Swim
30th November 2024
Challenge Yourself in the Premier Beach to Bay 3.3km Swim
Prepare to be left in awe as you depart from one of the Far North's most stunning beaches and find yourself in the charming, heritage-rich town of Russell. This scenic harbour crossing will challenge you both physically and mentally, delivering an unforgettable experience.
Swim for the Whole Family
With a range of distances on offer, the Banana Boat NZ Ocean Swim Series has something for everyone. From the thrilling 1000m Round the Bay to the 500m Beach Blast, there's no shortage of opportunities to push your limits and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Tire Out the Kids with the Banana Boat OceanKids
The Banana Boat OceanKids events, featuring 100m and 200m distances for ages 7-12, are the perfect way to keep the little ones entertained before you explore the beautiful sights, sounds, and flavours that Russell has to offer.
Swim on offer
- Beach to Bay – 3.3km
- Round the Bay – 1000m
- Beach Blast – 500m
- Banana Boat OceanKids – 100m and 200m (7-12 years)
Northland Chess Championship 2024
2nd November 2024
Turner Center 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand
More details and full programme to come.
KeriKeri Half Marathon
16th November 2024
This Half Marathon is an iconic feature on the Northland events calendar. Starting in Okaihau the 21.1km course makes its way through rolling countryside to finish in the centre of town at the Kerikeri Domain.
Waitangi Day
6 February 2025
Waitangi Day on February 6 celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 by the British Crown and 500 Māori chiefs, ratifying New Zealand's founding document.
View from your Bellrock Lodge balcony!