Pompallier Mission & Printery

POMPALLIER MISSION & PRINTERY

In once-lawless Russell, the 'Hell hole of the Pacific', within view of English mission settlements across the bay, French Catholic Marist missionaries established Pompallier Mission, from where they promoted their religious teachings to Maori.

STILL PRINTING

The courageous missionaries, after learning the local language, Te Reo Maori, and the Tikanga (customs) of the Maori people, translated religious texts into Maori, assembled a printing press and set-up a tannery to produce leather for book covers. The texts were then printed, bound and given to Maori throughout Northland and beyond.

WALK IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS

Join our guides as they take you through each step of tanning, printing, and bookmaking, as done by the original missionaries over 175 years ago. A hands-on, working printery and tannery experience not to be missed.

FEATURES

Award winning gardens in a magnificent beach side setting offering spectacular views across the Bay of Islands to Waitangi.
Hands-on interactive tours. Learn how to tan a hide, bind a book and more!
Fantastic French Coffee House on site - try our specially roasted Bishop???s Brew or one of our delicious French pastries.
Visitor Centre & Gift Shop offering a unique reminder of this special place.

If you are booking within 2 hours of your desired Tour time please phone 09 403-9015 or proceed to the Site Booking Office to confirm availability