Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / North Island / Northland Region / Bay of Islands / Russell / Pompallier Mission and Printery

Pompallier Mission and Printery, Russell

4.7

#2 of 26 in Things to do in Russell

#Historic Site, #Tourist Spot

New Zealand's oldest Roman Catholic building, Pompallier Mission and Printery also represents the country's oldest rammed-earth structure. The pioneering Catholic missionaries constructed the building in the 19th century, using the rammed-earth style of their hometown Lyon. Step inside to learn about the processes of tanning, printing, and binding that the missionaries used to produce over 30,000 books and tracts, some published in Maori. After the guided tour you can explore the award-winning heritage garden, offering sweeping beach-side views across the bay. To visit Pompallier Mission and Printery on your holiday in Russell, and find out what else Russell has to offer, use our Russell trip builder app .

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Pompallier Mission and Printery Tours

Bay of Islands Day Tour from Auckland BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $173

157 reviews

Duration: 12 hours

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Places to stay near Pompallier Mission and Printery

Pompallier Mission and Printery Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

455 reviews

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4.7

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4.5

225 likes

By martinjill b On March 17, 2018

A wonderful 40 minute tour of the old mission house. The tannery, the presses, the bookbinding and some historical artifacts all well presented and explained. more »
By Kiwibabyboomer56 On March 16, 2018

The guided tour through the Pompallier Mission and Printery was FANTASTIC! Took about one hour, and was worth every cent. The guide was very good indeed and the printing works/tannery/history was fasc... more »
By PeterandRichard On March 15, 2018

We toured the printery with the lovely guide Lydia, knowledgeable and very witty. We were shown all the 19th century printing, tannery and binding machines faithfully replicated. What a building and h... more »

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By Mary Fitzgibbon On February 17, 2018

Brilliant visit. Took the tour. Really informative. Lovely French guide. Had coffee and a croissant there in the lovely cafe and shop.

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By Regan Ashworth On November 23, 2017

This is easily the best thing to do while you're in Russell. It's a gorgeous old building and the tour is absolutely worth every penny. Great for history buffs, lovers of antiques, kids, and anyone interested in how things work. Plan your day around this for sure!

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By Lisa Bridson On March 25, 2018

Hadn't known what to expect. Fascinating account of the French Catholic missionary and of the tanning, printing, and book binding industry

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By Nicki Raistrick On January 26, 2018

Love what they have done to this building to bring it to life and make it special

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By Michael Connell On January 23, 2018

Apple Turnovers are perfect sadly the advertised "Croissants" were none to be seen which is why we went originally to have Coffee and Croissants. Having said that the scenery, service and other food is very nice.

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