Christ Church Russell

This is New Zealand's oldest surviving church - built in 1835.

A decade later on 11 March 1845 the battle of Kororareka (the original name for Russell) took place around the church grounds when the town was destroyed as anti-government Maori attacked the British forces. The church still has musket holes clearly visible in the walls from this battle.

I thought it a co-incidence that we chose on visit Russell today - the 169th anniversary of this battle.