Russell and the many little coves in the Bay of Islands are a most attractive summer getaway for New Zealanders. This area has historical significance since it was here that the founding docuement of the country was signed with the Maori in 1846. The early missionaries too were active in the nineteenth century and the mission house, lived in by one of the first ministers is well preserved today. Fishing is good if this takes your fancy, and large fish can be caught in the deep waters in this area.