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 Jazz & Blues Festival
8, 9, 10 August 2025
The Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues and Country Rock Festival features good music and friendship in the stunning setting of the Bay of Islands of New Zealand – one of the top tourist spots of the country.
Trip to Sip - with The Landing
3 October 2025
Discover what makes Northland wine so unique as you sip your way through The Landing wines. Head on down to The Duke for your free wine tasting 5pm - 8pm!
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend
9, 10, 11, 12 October 2025
We walk many of the islands and remote spots on the peninsula that are hard to access as individuals – the walking weekend makes it cost effective and hassle free. The walks are spectacular with breath taking scenery, amazing flora and fauna, but also very rich in history and culture, you are walking in footsteps of some of the first explorers to arrive in New Zealand.
Trip to Sip - with Boulder Bay
10 October 2025
Discover what makes Northland wine so unique as you sip your way through Boulder Bay wines. Head on down to The Duke for your free wine tasting 5pm - 8pm!
Trip to Sip - with Omata Estate
17 October 2025
Discover what makes Northland wine so unique as you sip your way through Omata Estate wines. Head on down to The Duke for your free wine tasting 5pm - 8pm!
PIC Bay of Islands Coastal Classic
24, 25, 26 October 2025
The PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Auckalnd's Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's premier fleet yacht race and has been held annually at Labour weekend since its inception in 1982.
Trip to Sip - with Dancing Petrel
24 October 2025
Discover what makes Northland wine so unique as you sip your way through Danicng Petrel wines. Head on down to The Duke for your free wine tasting 5pm - 8pm!
Rum Festival with The Wellington Sea Shanty Society
25 October 2025
Ahoy, me hearties! Hoist the sails, set yer compasses and set course for the Duke of Marlborough in Russell, where we be hostin' a Rum Festival to rival all others, especially the day after a race when ye be needin' to unwind and carouse like true pirates!
Trip to Sip - with 144 Islands
31 October 2025
Discover what makes Northland wine so unique as you sip your way through 144 Islands wines. Head on down to The Duke for your free wine tasting 5pm - 8pm!
Melbourne Cup at The Duke of Marlborough
4 November 2025
Join us to watch the races in style, on the Russell Waterfront at The Duke of Marlborough!
Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon
22 November 2025
Starting in Okaihau the 21.1km course makes its way through rolling countryside to finish in the centre of town at the Kerikeri Domain. The race is largely downhill, so good for a PB, and perfect if you're new to running!
Christmas Day at The Duke of Marlborough
25 December 2025
We will be open for Christmas Dinner from 5pm, as this is a special occasion we will be working with a Special Christmas Day Set Menu; of which we will confirm the price close to – and a two-course Set Menu for children under the age of 14. Our restaurant will be closed for Lunch Service. However, our sister restaurant, Charlotte's Kitchen, will be offering a Christmas Lunch..
New Years Eve
31 December 2025
Join us at The Duke of Marlborough to see in 2026, with live music, set course dinners, and the bubbles flowing, it is the place to be!
Blue70 Beach to Bay - Ocean Swim
21 February 2026
Prepare to be left in awe as you depart from one of the Far North’s most stunning beaches and find yourself in the charming, heritage-rich town of Russell. This scenic harbour crossing will challenge you both physically and mentally, delivering an unforgettable experience.
What our customers say
My partner and I couldn’t recommend the Duke of Marlborough more as a venue for your wedding. Such a stunning spot on the bay and the hotel is absolutely beautiful. Food was 10/10 and the service is extremely professional and so friendly - staff really go the extra mile. The whole process of planning the wedding at the duke was made so easy for us by our wonderful wedding planner Beth. The ballroom is such a stunning room to hold a wedding. Our day was simply perfect, and we will be forever grateful to the Duke of Marlborough for making it so memorable for us all. Thank you Again xx
- Lili & James - Saturday 24th February 2024,
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