This work invites the viewer to take a visual stroll along Russell's historical waterfront. Kororareka beach is bordered by a bank of soft gold grasses above which stands a long row of pohutakawa trees. Covered with crimson blossoms at Christmas time, these magnificent trees were planted by pupils of Victor Lindauer. Victor was the son of portrait painter, Gottfried Lindauer, and in 1931 he was headmaster at the local Russell primary school.

In front of the white washed, green-trimmed Town Hall, stands a cannon which saw action in the 1845 defence of Te Maiki against the warrior chief, Hone Heke, a reminder of the region's volatile history. Our stroll continues to the popular balconied restaurant known as The Gables. Originally constructed in 1847 from pit-sawn Kauri on whalebone foundations, the establishment once welcomed ashore hard-drinking whalers and seafarers. In the distance the wharf awaits as the welcoming point for ferry passengers from Paihia.