What's On in the Bay of Islands
Russell Birdman Festival
14, 13 July 2018
Its wild, wacky and so much fun!! This year the festival is a 4 day event as we celebrate 12 years! This festival perfect for kids and families but we have some great BIG kid stuff as well such as the Drag Race, Corflute Boat building and racing (new for adults this year!), The Birdman Jump and more!
Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival
13, 12, 11 August 2017
Held every year in Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Haruru Falls. See international and local bands play on the street for free! In Russell it coincides with the Classic Car Show. You buy a badge and enjoy all the jazz and blues you can handle, all weekend long.
Bay of Islands Snorkel and Scuba Race
1 September 2017
The annual Bay of Islands Underwater Club Snorkel Scuba Race is on again. This is something for the whole family, it’s not only great fun but will also raise money for all of our local volunteer services, Russell Radio, Russell Coastguard and the Paihia Fire Service. All these people do a great job of looking after everyone when they are in the Bay of Islands on sea and land, so join us in helping support them in their work.
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
1 October 2017 & 30, 29 September 2017
“Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is a new walking weekend to the calendar and is based out of Russell in the stunning Bay of Islands. Over two and half days there are 22 walks to choose from, all walks leave from Russell and for the more adventurous among us, take a trip on a boat out to some of our fabulous islands where some of the walks are based.... Need accommodation? The Duke team will look after you (we're not promising foot rubs!) and provide the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a hard days walking...”
It Festival
7 October 2017
This Boutique Food and Wine Festival is in its 7th year in the Bay of Islands! This is “it!!” - the event not to be missed - Love it! Cook it! Drink it! Bite it! Sing it! A successful recipe of fantastic food, wine, entertainment and friendly locals all mixed up together in the Bay of Islands. Along with mouthwatering food, award winning vineyards, beer and cider - we have lots of fun going on around the place - there are real kiwi competitions such as “Kina Sucking”, “Oyster Shucking and Eating” and of course “Pie Eating!” - we are in Pai-hia after all!
Coastal Classic
20 October 2017
Grab yourself a warm jacket & binoculars then head for Flagstaff Hill to watch as the fleet race into the Bay. Division One is going to welcome, for the first time, Kia Kaha to the fleet. Kia Kaha is the TP52 formerly known as Valkyrie, Lexus and Bigamist, and sailed by Russell Coutts and some of the then young breed of Team New Zealand sailors in 2005.
Russell Annual Flower Show
4 November 2017
Held in the town hall each year, a great way to spend the day. Stalls on the village green, kids having fun etc. This year we have a scarecrow competition for the kids. Bake your own cake or braed to enter in a competition too. Just stay out of the neighbour’s garden when getting your entry together!
Melbourne Cup at the Duke
6 November 2017
Book your tickets for the fabulous Melbourne Cup Gala Luncheon on the Duke's deck. Filled with all the frivolity of fashions on the field, prizes for best hat, outfits, etc. With full coverage of all the horse races, tab and our very own Russell Steeplechase stakes along the Strand. Tickets are limited, call reception for details. 09 4037829
Te Rima Multisport Challenge
29, 28, 27 November 2017
Duke of Marlborough Hotel BOI Classic
1 December 2018
Ocean Swim
Paihia to Russell 3.3 km
Russell 750m
Oceankids 100m and 200m
https://oceanswim.co.nz/events/bay-of-islands-classic-russell/
Fireworks on New Years Eve! Russell Waterfront
Watch the fireworks from Russell Wharf and ring in the new year with a bang! The above water display is outstanding and seems to get better every year. There are few places in the world as friendly as Russell on the evening of 31st December! See you there.
Fishing Tournements
So many fish – so little time. Russell and the Bay of Islands are hosts to a wide variety of fishing tournaments. From the Zane Grey one Base to the International Yellow tale there is one to suit all fisher-people.
What our customers say
Thank you so so much for all your help planning our wedding and for being an absolute star on the day setting up for us. Everything was so easy and fun! Ida you were an absolute pleasure to deal with and all the staff were amazing on the night of our wedding as well. Everyone commented on how amazing the food was and that their drinks were topped up all night! The venue of The Duke....well what can I say, it's just magical, it's such a gorgeous place and we loved it so much!! The rooms as well were lovely and all the little touches the staff added to our room were wonderful!! The new deck up on the second story is so dreamy for beautiful wedding photos. I could go on and on but in a nut-shell we wouldn't change a single thing, we loved our wedding so much and The Duke made it so special for us, it's simply The Best!!! Katie and Stefan
- Katie and Stefan 16th March 2018,
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