Bay Of Islands Activities
Check out all these exciting events and activities held in the Bay of Islands - all of which you can do while staying and enjoying the comforts of The Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Fullers Greatsights Bay of Islands BEAST
28 August 2021
The Fullers Greatsights Bay of Islands BEAST is a super tough 7km course course over rolling countryside; navigating swamps, river crossings, a little bit of mud, some very steep hills and traverse rugged uneven terrain. More information here
Bay of Islands Waka Festival
2, 3 October 2021
This is a 2 day event, with races for all ages – sprints, short distances and a long race. Novice midgets through to serious paddlers!
The base is Waitangi Holiday Park and wakas will be launching from Te Tii Beach Waitangi Bridge end.
More Information Here.
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
15, 16, 17 October 2021
Based in Russell, the Bay of Islands Walking Weekend has 18 walks to choose from. For more information and bookings please visit
Coastal Classic Yacht race
22 October 2021
This challenging coastal race is one of the biggest of its type in the world, and it's long marked the opening of the summer sailing season for many hundreds of Kiwi boaties. www.costalclassic.co.nz
Melbourne Cup
2 November 2021
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel presents the iconic Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Tuesday 2nd November 2021
To book a seat seat please call our Weddings and Functions team on 09 955 5691, tickets are selling out fast.
“it!” Bay of Islands Food & Wine Festival
6 November 2021
This Boutique Food and Wine Festival is in its 9th 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!
Kerikeri Half Marathon
13 November 2021
The ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon on Saturday, 23 November 2019 is a predominantly downhill run from Okaihau to Kerikeri, and is the final event in the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series each year. For more information see www.kerikerihalfmarathon.co.nz
New Years Eve Firework on the Waterfront
31 December 2021
Watch the Firework on Russell Waterfront at midnight and start the New Year with a bang!
Wander Women Adventure Race
11, 12 March 2022
A beginner friendly race designed to empower women. It is about accepting the challenge and then going out there and doing it.
If you haven’t done an adventure race before then take the leap!
Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Music Festival
12, 13, 14 August 2022
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.
For more information, program and badges,
Daffodil Day Breakfast | Kingsgate Hotel
27 August 2022
Daffodil Day Breakfast will be held at the Kingsgate Autogate Friday 27th August at 7:30am
The BOI Rotary Club are raising funds for the Cancer Society.
There will the chance to buy tickets ($25) for a number of hampers at the Breakfast and winners announced at 4pm
What our customers say
The Duke is an exceptional place to have a wedding. From the moment we arrived in town The Dukes staff knew who we were days ahead and made us and our families and friends feel extra special. On the day, bad weather meant a change of plans with the Duke now suddenly also hosting the ceremony on their front deck. This was all taken in its stride and went without a hiccup. The food is second to none, the staff are seriously exceptional, providing a service none of our guests had ever experienced. For one week the Duke became our second home. Special thanks to Ida, Ellie, Sam and Col. Thanks again and we will see you all soon! Hayley and Michael, Nov 1, 2018
- Hayley & Michael 1st November 2018,
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