When our family first discovered Russell, one of the places we immediately fell in love with was Long Beach. Whether it's an early morning walk, a family swim, coffee by the beach, or simply sitting in the sunshine looking out across the Bay of Islands, Long Beach has become one of our favourite places to visit whenever we stay at Crab Shack Cottage.
Located just 1.2 kilometres from Crab Shack Cottage, Long Beach is approximately a 15–20 minute walk or a three-minute drive from the cottage.
The walk is part of the experience. While the route crosses the headland, it isn't too demanding, and a well-formed concrete pathway winds through areas of native bush, allowing visitors to avoid walking along the road while enjoying beautiful coastal views along the way.
Start the Day with a Beach Walk and Coffee
One of the best times to visit Long Beach is early in the morning.
The beach is often quiet, the sand is smooth and untouched, and the bay is calm. A gentle stroll along the shoreline is the perfect way to start the day, and for those feeling adventurous, an early morning swim is hard to beat.
Afterwards, many locals and visitors make their way to the famous Long Beach Coffee Cart. There's something special about enjoying a freshly brewed coffee while looking out across the water towards the islands scattered throughout the Bay of Islands.
A Family Favourite
Long Beach has become a favourite destination for our children.
The surf is ideal for swimming and body surfing, while the rocky areas at either end of the beach provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling and exploring rock pools. Hours can disappear as children search for sea creatures, shells and hidden treasures among the rocks.
On calm days, paddleboards are a great way to get out on the water and enjoy a different perspective of the bay. The sheltered nature of the beach often makes it a fantastic spot for families wanting to introduce children to paddling.
For families looking for family accommodation in Russell, having a beautiful beach like Long Beach so close by is one of the many advantages of staying in Russell.
The Perfect Place to Relax
Not every visit to Long Beach needs to be active.
Sometimes the best experience is simply finding a quiet spot on the sand, opening a good book and taking in the view. Looking across the bay towards the islands beyond, it's common to see yachts and sailing boats at anchor, creating the classic Bay of Islands postcard scene.
Whether you're reading, sunbathing, enjoying a picnic, or simply watching the tides roll in, Long Beach offers a peaceful and relaxing escape only minutes from central Russell.
Why We Love Staying in Russell
One of the many advantages of staying at Crab Shack Cottage is having easy access to Long Beach while still being within walking distance of Russell's cafés, restaurants and waterfront attractions.
Guests can spend the morning at the beach, enjoy lunch in Russell village, head out on a dolphin cruise or fishing trip in the afternoon, and return to relax in the heated pool and spa opposite the cottage.
It's this combination of beaches, walks, boating, dining and relaxed coastal living that makes Russell such a special place to stay in the Bay of Islands.
Russell is also a great base for exploring more of the region. From here, guests can discover Paihia, Waitangi, Cape Brett, the Hole in the Rock and the many islands and waterways of the Bay of Islands, either by road or by boat.
Planning Your Long Beach Visit
Long Beach is perfect for:
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Snorkelling
Rock pool exploration
Family beach days
Morning walks
Beach picnics
Reading and relaxation
Sunrise and sunset viewing
Photography
Whether you're visiting Russell for a weekend getaway, family holiday, fishing trip or special celebration, Long Beach deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Staying Near Long Beach
Crab Shack Cottage is a four-bedroom Russell holiday home in the heart of the Bay of Islands, sleeping up to eight guests. Located approximately 300 metres from Russell Wharf and just 1.2 kilometres from Long Beach, it provides comfortable Russell holiday accommodation for families, groups and couples wanting to explore the Bay of Islands.
With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a heated swimming pool, spa pool and EV charger, Crab Shack Cottage provides a comfortable base for enjoying everything Russell and the wider Bay of Islands have to offer.
From a morning walk and coffee at Long Beach to an afternoon on the water and an evening relaxing by the pool, it's easy to see why Russell has become one of our favourite places to stay.
Ready to plan your Russell getaway? Visit our Rates and Bookings page to check availability.
