9–10 January
Tall Ships Regatta & Hāngi
Russell Boating Club’s Tall Ships Regatta weekend, with prizegiving, hāngi and music. Event details
Russell · Bay of Islands
Annual Events — 2026
Plan ahead for Russell and Kororāreka’s sailing, sport, arts, culture and community celebrations.
25 April
ANZAC Memorial
Russell’s annual ANZAC Day remembrance. Check local ceremony details closer to the date.
7–12 June
International Yellowtail Tournament
Bay of Islands Swordfish Club’s 56th International Yellowtail tournament. Tournament details
22 June
Yule Celebration
A mid-winter community celebration. Programme details to be confirmed locally.
26–27 June
Rumble in Russell
A free community weekend of rugby, netball and family activities. Event details
26 June–12 July
Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival
Bay of Islands celebrations marking the Māori New Year. Festival programme
26 June–25 July
Russell Matariki Art Exhibition
A showcase of Russell artists at Russell School, 8 Baker Street.
9–11 October
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
Guided walks of varied lengths and difficulty, departing from Russell. Walk programme
23 October
PIC Coastal Classic
The 119-nautical-mile yacht race from Auckland to the finish off Russell Wharf. Race details
Dates can change. Please check the linked organiser pages before travelling.