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.
Bay of Islands Rock and Country Music Festival
7, 8, 9 May 2021
For more information and to buy day or weekend passes,
Go Green Award and Fashion show
25 June 2021
Trash to treasure fashion show and Go Green Award at the duke of Marlborough.
To buy tickets contact Trish Macintosh [email protected] $85 per person
Russell Birdman Festival
16, 17 July 2021
Its wild, wacky and so much fun. Take your family, mates and come to the Russell Birdman 2019. This year the festival is a 2 day event as we celebrate 14 years of people falling off the Russell wharf. This festival is a perfect environment for families with kids. for Details click here
Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Music Festival
13, 14, 15 August 2021
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,
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. Tickets 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 09 403 7829, 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.runwalkseries.co.nz
Wander Women Adventure Race
13 November 2021
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!
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!
What our customers say
“Deciding to hold our wedding at The Duke of Marlborough in Russell without doubt was the unsurpassed greatest decision we made with regards to our wedding. As you would expect from The Duke the planning was easy, food outstanding, accommodation world class and the location idyllic. The team at The Duke were what made the difference, delivering at all touchpoints an outstanding day and weekend tailored at every aspect to our guests and us. Compliments from our guests were glowing with regards to the food, setting, beverages and the unique and warm hospitality. A dream wedding delivered by a dream team". Thank you again, Ben and Shar
- Ben and Shar, 23 February 2018
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